Where are Otter found in the wild?

Otters thrive in clean rivers, lakes, and coastal areas across the world, happily splashing in both freshwater and marine environments. They love places with plenty of vegetation and rocks, where they can find fish and other treats, making their homes in dens along riverbanks or in the sandy shores of lakes. These playful mammals enjoy habitats that support their need for swimming and diving. Otters can be found on every continent except Antarctica, delighting in ecosystems rich with life while playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy environments.

"Zagreb Zoo small-clawed otter 01" by D. Nikolić (dnik) is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Otter

Explore the playful water acrobats that brighten our rivers!

"Zagreb Zoo small-clawed otter 01" by D. Nikolić (dnik) is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Lutra lutra

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Location

Europe, Asia, North Africa

Average size

2 to 4 feet long

diet

Fish, crustaceans, amphibians

lifespan

10 to 15 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

Otters are playful mammals that belong to the family Mustelidae. These adorable animals can be found in rivers, lakes, and oceans around the world, bringing joy wherever they splash.
Otters typically measure between 2 to 4 feet long, making them a delightful sight in the wild. Their sleek bodies allow them to swim swiftly and dive with ease, earning them the nickname "water weasels"!
These furry friends have a tasty diet that includes fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. With their keen sense of hunting, otters can catch lunch while performing impressive underwater acrobatics!
Otters show off their fantastic playfulness, often sliding down muddy banks and frolicking with their friends. They love to chase each other in the water, proving that they have a splash-tastic sense of fun!
In addition to being entertaining, otters have a unique way to stay warm. They have dense fur that traps air bubbles, creating a cozy, insulated layer that keeps them cozy while swimming in chilly waters.
With a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, otters can be lifelong companions to their furry family. They are social creatures that often live in groups called rafts, showing that teamwork makes the dream work!

Where can you find a Otter in the wild?

What does a Otter eat?

How big can a Otter grow?

How long does a Otter typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Otter?

What are the main threats to the Otter?

wowzerful facts

Otters hold hands while sleeping to keep from drifting apart in the water, forming adorable otter chains! This helps them stay together as they float on the surface like little furry buoys.

These clever mammals use rocks as tools! They crack open shellfish by smashing them against stones, showing off their problem-solving skills in a fun and creative way.

Otters have a special pocket under their arms to store their favorite rocks and snacks, almost like carrying a lunchbox while they swim around hunting for food!

When otters get super excited, they do a happy dance! They roll around and splash in the water, letting everyone know they are ready for fun and games.

Water is second nature to otters. They can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes while diving underwater, making them expert underwater explorers!

Otters have a unique way of grooming themselves by sliding on their backs and using their paws to clean their thick fur. This keeps their coats fluffy and waterproof.

Baby otters, also known as pups, are born without fur and cannot swim when they first arrive in the world. They rely on their moms for warmth and protection until they grow up.

Otters can run on land at speeds of up to 29 kilometers per hour (18 miles per hour). This makes them speedy little critters, perfect for quick escapes from danger!