Otter Facts

About the otter

Fourteen living species make up the otter subfamily, Lutrinae, and every one of them splits its time between land and water, whether that water is a river or the sea. Their relatives include badgers, mink and wolverines. Strong webbed feet push them along when swimming, and their thick coat traps heat while helping them float. Species that live in chilly water need a fast metabolism just to stay warm.

Fish fill most of the menu, with frogs, birds or shellfish added depending on the species. Pregnancy lasts roughly 60 to 86 days, the young stick with their family for about a year, and an otter can reach 16 years of age. Play is a big part of otter life: they slide down natural chutes into the water and toss stones around for fun.

Did you know?

• Otters turn up in Norse myths, Asian folklore and Native American totems, and some tales say they can change shape.
• Otter attacks on people are rare and usually happen only after the animal has been provoked.
• In southern Bangladesh, otters have been used by people as part of local fishing methods.