Eurasian Otter

Lutra lutra

Eurasian otters are skilled swimmers that live in rivers and coastal waters. They hunt fish and other small animals.

Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Appearance

The Eurasian Otter has a sleek, streamlined body covered in dark brown fur, with a lighter cream or greyish patch on its throat and chest. Its long, thick, muscular tail tapers to a point, and it has small, rounded ears and prominent whiskers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyMustelidaeGenusLutra

Eurasian Otter

Interesting facts

Eurasian Otters can hold their breath and dive for up to 8 minutes!

Otters build cozy dens called 'holts' often hidden in riverbanks!

Sometimes, otters play by sliding down muddy banks just for fun!

They communicate using a variety of whistles, chirps, and even growls!

Special abilities

Eurasian Otter can close its nostrils and ears to hunt fish effectively underwater, helping them stay focused.

Eurasian Otter has super-sensitive whiskers that help them detect prey movement in murky water, even in darkness.

Eurasian Otter has dense, oily fur that traps air, keeping them warm and dry even in icy cold waters.

Eurasian Otter can swim with surprising speed and agility, thanks to its streamlined body and webbed feet.

Measurements & details

Length: 90-130 cm
Weight: 5-12 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Top Speed: 12 km/h
Litter Size: 1-5
Gestation: 60-62 days

Diet & Feeding

A clever hunter, this otter primarily eats fish and other small aquatic animals it catches in the water.

Age differences: Young otters learn to hunt by watching their mother; their diet becomes more varied.

Primary Foods

fish
frogs
crabs
crayfish
water birds
small mammals

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

A primary fish prey in freshwater habitats.

eats

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Catches frogs, especially in marshy areas.

shelters

Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Dense reed beds offer hiding spots and cover.

depends on

Humans

Homo sapiens

Conservation efforts are vital for otter survival.

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Whiskered

Look for animals with cool whiskers, which help them feel their way around and understand their world!

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Thermoregulating

Learn about incredible animals that can keep their body temperature just right, no matter how hot or cold it gets outside! They have special ways to stay warm or cool.

Tool Use

Discover amazing animals that cleverly use objects from their environment to help them find food, build homes, or protect themselves. They're nature's clever inventors!

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.