AN ILLEGAL trap caused the death by drowning of an otter in the Selby Canal.

The trap was found on an angling platform at a fishing peg on the canal just outside Selby by a member of the public who reported the find to the police and the Environment Agency.

They believe the illegal net was being used to catch crayfish, which requires consent from the Environment Agency.

Ian Marshall, biodiversity officer at the Environment Agency said: "Otters are protected by law and killing them could result in a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. Their return to our rivers is an environmental success story and we do a lot of work to encourage their recovery.

"Anyone wanting to trap crayfish must have the relevant permits from the Environment Agency. Just because a trap is marketed for crayfish use does not mean it is of a legal design. Otter guards can be fitted to non-legal traps to prevent tragedies like this happening again."

Otter populations have begun to expand across the country following a decline in numbers between the 1950s and 1980s, due in part to improvements in river habitats and water quality, and are legally protected.

To report illegal traps or anything suspicious, contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.