Mammals · Carnivora · Mustelidae

European Otter

Lutra lutra

Near Threatened

It could become endangered in the near future if current threats go unchecked. See full glossary

It marks its territory with scented droppings called 'spraints', which it uses to communicate with other otters without ever having to meet them.

Weight

7 kg – 12 kg

Size

57 cm – 95 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Nocturnal

Active mainly at night.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Moderate

FreshwaterCarnivore Nocturnal Solitary Near Threatened Freshwater Mammal

53countries 69parks 11dive sites28same family

Fun facts

It marks its territory with scented droppings called 'spraints'.
Its populations collapsed across Europe in the twentieth century because of chemical pollution, and have recovered markedly since.
It starts to swim at around 10 to 16 weeks old.
comunicaciónIt marks its territory with distinctively scented droppings called spraints, which other otters read for information about the owner's identity and condition.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Rivers, lakes, wetlands and coasts across much of Eurasia and North Africa
Birth weight: Born blind and with fine fur
Size at birth: Tiny at birth
Sexual maturity: 18-24 months
Gestation / incubation: 60-70 days
Litter / clutch size: The equivalent of ~10% of the female's body weight in young (usually 2-3 cubs)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 18.2 years

Sources consulted: Thai National Parks; AnAge (genomics.senescence.info); Animal Diversity Web; Mammal Society; All About Creatures; Animalia.bio; The Animal Facts; Life Apex