A survey of "one of Ireland's most elusive animals" is under way to establish how many otters there are in Ireland.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is asking members of the public to report any sightings of the mammal in order to compare results to the last survey, which was carried out in 2010/2011.
Teams from the NPWS will be monitoring more than 900 sites around the country, with members of the public also asked to keep their eyes peeled and report any sightings.
"The otter is one of Ireland's most elusive animals so getting as many people involved in the survey as possible will be important if we are to get good coverage," Dr Ferdia Marnell, Mammal Specialist with the NPWS, said
"Otters are rarely seen, so instead, over the coming months, NPWS staff will be searching for otter tracks and signs," Dr Marnell added.
Otters are mostly active at night and most typically seen at dawn or dusk.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage say they may be spotted from bridges swimming in rivers or along the rocky seashore.
The mammals are brown, about 80 cm long and can be seen gliding along the water surface before diving to show their distinctive long pointed tail, which is almost as long again as their body.
The otter suffered significant declines across the UK and much of continental Europe during the 1970s, '80s and ‘90s but remained widespread in Ireland.
The most recent Irish survey found signs of otter from all counties of Ireland.
The next report on how the otter is faring is due to be published in 2025.
People can report their otter sightings online here
