Eurasian Otter

otter · river life · weasel family · conservation

Lives across three continents. Eurasian otters are found in waterways and coastal areas throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa, making them the most widely spread otter type in the whole otter subfamily.

Expert fish hunters. These otters eat mainly fish and are incredibly skilled at catching them in rivers, streams, and coastal waters using their streamlined bodies and strong swimming.

Fiercely territorial. Each otter claims its own stretch of water and defends it strongly from other otters, marking its territory so rivals know to stay away.

Endangered but recovering. Eurasian otters disappeared from many places due to pollution and hunting, but conservation efforts have helped populations bounce back in some regions while they remain endangered in others.

Member of weasel family. Despite spending so much time in water, Eurasian otters belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae), which also includes badgers, wolverines, and ferrets.