Eurasian Otter
Lutra lutra
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Carnivora · Mustelidae
About
The Eurasian otter, also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, European river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia and the Maghreb. it is the most widely distributed member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae) and is found in the waterways and on the coasts of Europe, much of Asia, and parts of North Africa. The Eurasian otter eats mainly of fish, and is strongly territorial. It is endangered in some parts of its range, but is recovering in others.
Fun Fact
Eurasian otters have the densest underfur of any animal in Europe — up to 70,000 hairs per square centimetre — which traps air to provide insulation and buoyancy in cold rivers.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Poaching
- Wetland Drainage
- Invasive Aquatic Species