The
otter is a large member of the weasel family (mustelids) with an
amphibious lifestyle. In the wild they are elusive, secretive animals
and live in undisturbed rivers, streams and estuaries. In the early
1960’s they were on the verge of extinction due to river pollution,
habitat loss and hunting. Now with full legal protection, cleaner
rivers and managed habitat it is returning to its former haunts,
although its distribution will always be limited by the availability
of fish
The
male otter is called a dog and the female a bitch. They have large
lungs and can stay submerged under water for 4 minutes, often swimming
400 meters before resurfacing. They can reach speeds of 12 km/h under
water and can outrun man on land.
The males occupy large ranges, which
may include up to 20 km of river bank and daily travel long distances
along regular routes by the margins of the river.
Origin:
Native.
British Distribution
Size:
Head/body
length: 60 - 120 cm; tail 40 - 45 cm.
Description:
Brown
fur, often pale underside, long slender streamlined body,
small ears, long thick tail and webbed feet. The eyes and
nostrils are high on its head, so that it can see and breathe
when the rest of its body is submerged. The small ears have
valves which close against water pressure. Their big whiskers,
'vibrissae', probably help it to find food in dark water.
Habitat:
Found on
coasts and estuaries and in fresh water habitats with suitable
cover.
Young:
3 'cubs'
can be born at any time of the year but usually in early
spring after 63 days gestation. They are blind for 35 days and
suckled for 6 months. They do not take to the water until they
are 2 - 3 months old. They initially fear the water and
sometimes have to be pushed in by the mother, who cares for
them alone
Nest
The
'holts' lined with grass, are usually in stream banks with an
underwater entrance.
Diet:
All
kinds of fish, eels, molluscs and crustaceans, also rabbits,
frogs, ducks, moorhens and snakes. They take their prey to
land to eat.
Population:
Pre-breeding
season estimated to be 12,900 and slowly increasing.
Otter Patrol
British Distribution