THIS carefree otter looks for all the world like a dog out for a stroll in the park.

It was spotted by Barbara Barnett at the river walk in Ross-on-Wye yesterday (Friday).

The river Wye, which passes through the town, has one of the most well-established otter populations in Britain, according to the

Wye and Usk Foundation

.

The river has bank-side vegetation cover, there is an abundant food supply, clean water and undisturbed areas of dense scrub suitable for breeding, making it particularly favourable as otter habitat.

All the same, it's a real treat to see one of these beautiful creatures just a short distance from town.

Well spotted, Barbara!