otters
An otter is a semi-aquatic mammal and a member of the Mustelid family (the same family as badgers and foxes.)
There is only one species of otter in the UK - the European or River otter (Lutra lutra). The European otter is found in many countries across the world, from Ireland to Asia, and is either endangered or extinct in all of them.
Otter Facts
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Otters are nocturnal - they are mostly active at night.
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Otters can grow up to 1.2 metres long.
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They use up to 40km of river as their home or 'territory' (where they feed, breed and rest).
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They eat about 10% of their body weight per day.
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Otters can see better underwater than they can on land.
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Otters only live for an average of 3 years in the wild.
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Young otters take around 2 years to reach breeding age.
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Cubs stay with the mother for about a year after they are born.
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Otters live and breed in Otter holts. These are usually hollows found in the root systems of riverside trees, or in dense scrub.
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Otters can drink with their whole head under water ! Clever hey!
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Famous otters include Tarka the otter, and the otters in the book 'Ring of Bright Water'
