Home › Mammalia › Mustelidae › Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
SPECIES PROFILE
Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Lutra
IUCN STATUS
Near Threatened
CONSERVATION STATUS
Near Threatened
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Rivers, coasts, wetlands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustelidae
GENUS
Lutra
📋 Description
SIZE
60-90 cm body, 5-12 kg
COLORATION
Dark brown, pale throat
ADAPTATIONS
Excellent swimmer, streamlined body
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rivers, coasts, wetlands
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe
REPRODUCTION
2-4 cubs, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Fish, amphibians
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Pollution, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Otters have made a remarkable recovery in the UK after near-extinction from pollution. They are superb swimmers and can close their ears and nose underwater.
2
They are now found on almost every clean river in Britain.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Scottish coasts
River Otter Devon UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for along clean rivers and coasts; best at dawn.
