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These are the first photographs clearly showing otters in the wild in Surrey in more than 50 years.

Freelance photographer Emily Murphy, from Guildford, captured the creatures play fighting in the River Wey.

“I spent a long time today trying to photograph a Kingfisher,” she said. “I did not get my picture, instead I had the surprise of a lifetime - not one but two otters playing together in the river.

“I am completely in awe of these animals - truly amazing to watch.”

In May GetSurrey reported that officers from Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) confirmed sightings of the animals which returned to the county after decades absent.

Since then ‘trap’ cameras, loaned by the University of Surrey, have captured a few grainy images. However SWT mammals officer Dave Williams said they have been able to get nothing to compare to these photographs.

There have been a few sightings but only a few have been confirmed. Otters are often confused with American mink which are an invasive species and are smaller, darker in colour and more comfortable living closer to people.

To see more of Emily's pictures, visit

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