Otter population continues to grow in Netherlands

The number of otters living in the Netherlands continues to increase, according to research done by Wageningen University. Last winter the otter population consisted of about 185 animals, compared to 160 the previous winter, ANP reports. With the increasing population, the number of otters killed by traffic also remains high. Last year 49 otters were run over and killed. Many otters also drown in fish traps. The genetic variation in the Dutch population seems to be stabilizing, according to the study. Otters from German origin are popping up in more and more places, including in the Nieuwkoopse Plassen.