Eurasian Otter
ExploreMammals
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
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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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
Ability
Underwater Vision
Eurasian Otter can close its nostrils and ears to hunt fish effectively underwater, helping them stay focused.
Ability
Whisker Radar
Eurasian Otter has super-sensitive whiskers that help them detect prey movement in murky water, even in darkness.
Ability
Waterproof Coat
Eurasian Otter has dense, oily fur that traps air, keeping them warm and dry even in icy cold waters.
Ability
Aquatic Agility
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
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Webbed Feet
Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
Whiskered
Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Thermoregulating
Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Common OtterEuropean Otter
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Otters can bite — observe from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eurasian Otter?
90-130 cm
How much does Eurasian Otter weigh?
5-12 kg
How long does Eurasian Otter live?
10-15 years
How fast can Eurasian Otter move?
12 km/h
What does Eurasian Otter eat?
A clever hunter, this otter primarily eats fish and other small aquatic animals it catches in the water.
Where is Eurasian Otter usually found?
Rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
How does Eurasian Otter hunt?
Pursuit
How many babies does Eurasian Otter usually have?
1-5
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