Species group · Mammals

Otters

WAnimals has 8 species of otter, in the family Mustelidae.

8 species

1 family

107 countries

238 parks

All 8 species of otters on WAnimals

Each one has its own full profile. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

3 Near Threatened2 Endangered2 Vulnerable1 Least Concern

4 species in this group are in a threatened category according to the IUCN.

Recorded in 107 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

It marks its territory with scented droppings called "spraints".
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Its populations collapsed across Europe in the twentieth century because of chemical pollution, and have recovered markedly since.
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It starts to swim at around 10 to 16 weeks old.
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It has the densest fur of any animal, with up to a million hairs per square inch.
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It uses stones as tools to crack open the shells of its prey.
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It wraps itself in kelp while it sleeps so it does not drift away.
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It can eat up to 4 kg of fish a day.
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Every animal has a unique pattern of throat markings.
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