Otters

OtterA symbol of clean waters and a good supply of fish, the otter has never died out in Northumberland unlike most other counties where pollution was disastrous for the species.

You'll have to be very lucky indeed to catch a glimpse of these shy creatures, but otter footprints can sometimes be spotted in the mud of river banks.

The tell-tale spraints (droppings) of the otter are easily found at key marking stations such as bridges if you know what to look for.