otter

The otter, a skilled swimmer and diver, is a fascinating aquatic creature that plays an important role in the ecosystem. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the otter's biology and lifestyle and emphasizes the importance of its protection and conservation in natural habitats.

Otters grow to be 60 to 90 cm long and weigh 5 to 14 kg. As carnivores, otters eat fish (e.g., trout, grayling), crabs, insects, and small mammals. Their life expectancy is up to 15 years.

otter Products

Profile: otter

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
    • Order: Carnivora
    • Family: Martens (Mustelidae)
    • Genus: Lutra
    • Species: L. lutra (European otter)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 60-90 cm
    • Tail length: 35-45 cm
    • Weight: 5-14 kg
    • Special features: Slender, muscular body, elongated tail, dense, water-repellent fur, small ears and eyes, strong, webbed paws.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, Asia, North Africa
    • Habitat: Waters such as rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands; prefers undisturbed, clean waters with abundant food supplies.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Carnivore
    • Typical food: fish (e.g. trout, grayling), crabs, insects, small mammals, amphibians and birds.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: winter to spring
    • Gestation period: Approx. 60-63 days
    • Litter size: 1-6 young per litter
    • Lifestyle: Solitary, nocturnal or crepuscular, excellent swimmers and divers. They live in self-dug burrows (floating tubes) or use natural hiding places along bodies of water.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 15 years in the wild
    • Threat status: Threatened in many regions due to habitat loss, water pollution, and illegal hunting. The European otter is considered "least concern," but many populations are locally threatened.
    • Conservation measures: protection and restoration of habitats, combating water pollution, raising awareness about otter conservation and promoting near-natural waters.

  • This is how big the otter really is

    • Otter: 80 × 35 cm

    Dimensions of the life-size cutouts (width × height), printed at a 1:1 scale.

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