Otters are mammals that have adapted to a life close to the water. They are the only member of their family, Mustelidae, to spend extended periods in or under water. Other members of their family include weasels, wolverines, and badgers. Carnivorous by nature, their diets include fish and invertebrates.
Animalia | |
Chordata | |
Mammalia | |
Carnivora |
Animalia | |
Chordata | |
Mammalia | |
Carnivora |
These creatures are often spotted grooming themselves as they must keep their fur clean to stay buoyant and remain insulated. This is why the global otter population is at risk, due to oil spills and other forms of pollution clogging their fur, making it hard to survive.
There are 13 known species of otter found globally.
Size: Length: 2.0 to 5.9 ft (0.6 to 1.8 m)
Weight: 2.2 to 99.2 lb (1 to 45 kg)
The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest at 16 to 24 inches (41 – 64 cm) and 4.4 to 11 lbs. (2 – 5 kg), and the giant otter is the longest at 3.3-5.6 ft (1-1.7m) while the sea otter is the heaviest at 31-99 lb (14-45 kg).
Body and Coloration: Otters are long and slim, with relatively short limbs. Their feet are webbed with sharp claws on them. Except for the sea otter, all otters have long, muscular tails for steering. They have two layers of fur. The underfur is soft and insulated, protected by an outer layer of long guard hairs.
Their body color comes in different shades of brown, be it light cinnamon or dark brown. The dorsal part mostly appears dark, while the ventral region is of a lighter shade.
They reside on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica.
Otters are found in varied aquatic habitats, such as coastlines, freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, and oceans.
The average lifespan of an otter is 10-16 years. In captivity, they may live up to 20 years.
As carnivorous aquatic mammals, both fresh and seawater species of otters thrive on fish and crabs. Sea and marine otters consume abalone, clams, mussels, snails, and urchins. Those living in freshwater habitats eat birds, crayfish, frogs, mollusks, and small mammals.
Adults have few predators, however, the pups, old, and infirm ones may fall prey to wolves, birds of prey, and large reptiles. Sea otters found in Alaska are preyed upon by killer whales.
During the mating season, males approach a female and attempt to embrace her with their forelegs or rub and sniff her body. If she reciprocates, the two engage in a period of play, which includes chasing, diving, and swimming. Copulation takes place in the water, lasting for 10 to 30 minutes. In some species, the male bites the female’s upper jaw or nose, while in others, the malegrabs her by the nape. The male sea otter, in particular, may leave behind scars on the female’s nose due to their violent form of mating.
After a 2-5 months gestation period, female otters give birth to 1-5 young, though 2 is the average number of offspring. While most otters give birth in dens, sea otters do so in water.
The baby otters, called pups, have sealed eyes that only open after a month. After two months, they begin swimming.
At one year of age, the pups leave their mother. Females reach sexual maturity at 2 years, while males do so at 3.
According to the IUCN’s Otter Specialist Group, most species are “Near Threatened” or “NT”, “Vulnerable” or “VU”, or “Endangered” or “EN”. The only exception is the North American river otter, listed as “Least Concern” or “LC”.
The threats faced by otters include loss of habitat, hunting for their pelts, and oil spills. Otters are currently protected by the Endangered Species Act, 1973 (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA), and the International Fur Seal Treaty signed by Britain, Japan, Russia, and the U.S. in 1911.
Despite their appealing appearance, otters are wild animals with solid teeth capable of dealing a powerful bite. While they will generally not do so, they may attempt to bite any intruders if approached. It is always advised to maintain a 60ft distance from otters if spotted in
A group of otters is often referred to as a raft.
No, they are mustelids and are more closely related to weasels.
No, otters do not hibernate in the winter.
It is believed that otters may do so to garner sympathy from the source of danger.
Yes, like all warm-blooded mammals, otters have glands that release sweating.
They are not picky about where they sleep and have been observed resting in dens or even in the open.
No, but they have been observed occupying abandoned dams left behind by beavers.
Yes, otters end up being at the top of the food chain in most environments they live in.
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