22.08.2025 08:20
Recently, the frequent sightings of otters in the Black Sea have caused concern among citizens. Prof. Dr. Şağdan Başkaya from Karadeniz Technical University stated that otters do not attack humans without reason, but they can become dangerous if their nests or young are threatened.
Recently increasing sightings of otters along the Black Sea coasts have surprised and unsettled citizens. Prof. Dr. Şağdan Başkaya, a faculty member of the Wildlife Ecology and Management Department at Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ), stated that otters can be active during the day if there is less human pressure around, but they tend to be more cautious in areas with high human activity.
THEY CAN HUNT IN FOREST, STEPPE, OR AGRICULTURAL AREAS Stating that the otter is a predatory animal that depends on water, Başkaya said, "The otter, a semi-aquatic mammal species, is distributed from the equator to the North Pole, across Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They live in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas of seas throughout all regions of Turkey. They can be found at every elevation, from the sea to the peaks of mountains. They can also hunt in forest, steppe, or agricultural areas located 3-5 km away from the riverbanks."
EATS WHATEVER IT CAN FIND Noting that otters are powerful predators, Başkaya stated, "They are strong predators that are at the top of the food chain in aquatic ecosystems, capable of swimming very well and staying underwater for long periods. Their main food source is fish. In addition, other species they eat include frogs, snakes, water beetles, sea snails, freshwater snails, shrimp, sea crabs, freshwater crabs, and mollusks; small mammals like moles, forest mice, and field mice; large mammals like deer and roe deer and their young; waterfowl and their eggs; poultry such as chickens, geese, and turkeys; domestic species like sheep and goats; and in some regions, plant-based foods."
Prof. Dr. Şağdan Başkaya "IF CORNERED; IF ANYTHING IS DONE TO ITS NEST OR YOUNG, IT CAN ATTACK HUMANS" Stating that the presence of otters in aquatic habitats is one of the main indicators of a generally healthy ecosystem, Başkaya said, "During swimming, only part of their heads, noses, and eyes remain above water. Otters are generally nocturnal. If there is little human pressure around, they can also be active during the day. They are more cautious in areas with high human activity. Factors threatening otter populations include various issues such as water pollution, food shortages, habitat destruction, poaching, traffic accidents, and deaths related to fish traps. Despite many adversities they face in today's world, their populations in almost all regions of Turkey are at medium or above levels, meaning they are in good condition. They do not attack humans without provocation. If cornered; if anything is done to their nest or young, they can attack humans."