The European otter (Lutra lutra) is one of the most common mammals in European and Asian rivers. The fact that an otter selects a river course to live indicates that the river is he althy, in terms of pollution, species and food. This elusive animal is not easy to see because, being of night habits, its activity begins when ours ends.
In this file on our site we will talk in detail about the European otter, we will show you how and where it lives, what it feeds on, what is its reproductive cycle and many other curiosities about the species.
Origin of the European Otter
The European otter (Lutra lutra) is a type of mustelid native to Europe, North Africa and Asia. In the past, the populations of this animal were widespread and prosperous, but the actions carried out by human beings on inland waters (natural habitat of otters) such as the creation of dams, polluting discharges , deforestation of riparian forests, extraction of water from wetlands and the water table have wreaked havoc on the otter population, the species being classified as almost threatened, although in certain places it is considered extinct.
Characteristics of the European Otter
Like all mustelids, the otter has an elongated body, flattened head and long tail, flattened at the base and pointed at the extreme end. Their ears are small, hidden by fur. Their legs are short, strong and prepared for swimming since between their fingers they have a membrane that helps them swim.
Its coat is waterproof, very thick and dark brown all over the body, except for the ventral area, where it lightens, becoming white below the neck. They are relatively large animals measuring between 84 and 145 centimeters from the head to the end of the tail. They weigh between 4.4 and 6.5 kilograms.
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European Otter Habitat
Otters prefer to live on the banks of crystal-clear rivers, bordered by thick vegetation where they can find their dens. These are not built by otters, but take advantage of natural cavities in the ground, rocks or vegetation. In addition, an otter does not have a single burrow, within its territory (about 15 kilometers for males and half for females) they have multiple shelters that they will monitor every few nights, as they are nocturnal.
The presence of European otters in rivers, streams, lagoons or marshes is a sign of their good he alth. Rivers with cloudy, polluted or algal blooms will be abandoned by otters. This is one of the main threats to the species.
Feeding of the European otter
As an animal carnivore, the otter's teeth are composed of 12 incisors, 4 canines, 14 premolars (8 above and 6 below) and 4 molars. The basis of their diet is the fish, which they catch in the water and eat on the shore. When fish is scarce, the otter can feed on crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles and even other mammals, birds or insects.
Your activity begins at nightfall. They emerge from their den and begin their routine with a major grooming, brushing their body against some rough surface. Then they cover their territory swimming against the current, doing stretches on land. At the end of the day, they return downstream to the previous night's burrow or to any other within their territory.
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Reproduction of the European otter
Unlike other species, when an otter reaches adulthood and is capable of reproducing, it will do so at any time of the year as long as food is available. During heat, they become very aggressive and, as they tend to remain in this state for much of their lives, it is not recommended to keep them as a pet.
Otters are solitary, except when they are looking for a mate or when a mother is with her young. During courtship, the pair of otters will spend several days together, playing in the water and chasing each other on land. After copulation, both animals separate and, after 9 weeks, the female will give birth to 2 or 3 pups, blind at birth and totally dependent on their mother, with whom they will spend between 6 and 8 months, until they become independent and begin a solitary life.
