Otters are semiaquatic to aquatic mustelids that can be found on every continent save for Australia and Antarctica. There are 14 extant otter species, all of which are in the subfamily Lutrinae. Most otter species swim and hunt primarily in fresh water, but the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) and marine otter (Lontra felina) prefer the sea, as their names imply. Some fresh water otters, such as the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), may occasionally swim in the sea, but they need fresh water to wash off the salt water from their fur. Each otter species possesses a distinct nose shape that helps in distinguishing the species.
Most species are under threat
People usually only take notice of their aesthetics and playful nature, but it can come as a surprise for some to learn that 13 of 14 otter species are classified as either near threatened, vulnerable, or endangered by the IUCN. This can be due to a number of factors such as pollutants, habitat destruction and fragmentation, loss of prey, poaching, and illegal trading. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the only otter species that is currently classified as least concern.(1)
Common misconceptions
Otters do not exclusively catch fish There is a misconception that all otters spend most of their time in the water and exclusively catch fish. While it is true that all otters eat fish or aquatic invertebrates, some species also spend a considerable time on land and occasionally prey on small mammals, amphibians, birds, insects, and reptiles.(2)(3) Some, like the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), can even climb trees.(4)(5) Otters are not as small as often depicted in popular media Peculiarly, otters are usually depicted as small in popular media despite Lutrinae being home to both the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), which is the longest mustelid, and the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), the heaviest. Even the often infantilized Asian small-clawed otter (Lutra capensis), which tends to be disproportionately referenced, is not exactly small compared to Mustelidae as a whole, with a head and body length of approximately 470–610 mm (18–24 in), tail length of around 260–350 mm (10–14 in), and a weight of about 1–5 kg (2–11 lb). From infantilising to sensationalising otters: A new trend of misinformation Some people have an oversimplified, Disney-like perception of otters (if not wildlife in general) and struggle to understand that they can be objectively “cute”, yet still be capable wild animals whose boundaries and nature should be respected. Some appear to be so astonished by this reality, that whenever an otter is reported to have done something “uncute” (such as forced copulation, or attacked a human or any other animal that is not a fish), they sensationalise and demonise Lutrinae as a whole in an attempt to counter their often infantilised image.(6)(7)(8) This overcorrection has led to an increase of harmful misinformation about otters, especially on some social media platforms. It can be difficult to find a public thread about them that lacks at least one individual feeling compelled to parrot the sentiment of one of the three previously cited articles (6, 7, and 8). What makes matters worse, is that many people are unaware there is more than one species of otter in our world’s waters. They are not all the same, and gross generalisations of minority behaviours and rare incidents observed among a few populations are contributing to unnecessary fear and stigma. Due to their aesthetical appeal and seemingly more social and playful nature, otters are usually viewed more favourably by the general public than other mustelids. However, it is important to remember that, like most wild animals, they have boundaries and live by their rules. Our habit of romanticising and imposing our expectations on to otters inadvertently attempts to deprive them of that right. It is possible to appreciate otters aesthetically while still acknowledging they are wild animals that are territorial, have their own complex social structures, struggle with human encroachment on their habitats, and can become aggressive when startled, injured, distressed, or threatened like any other mammal. References Otter species mostly within the genus Lutra that inhabit the continents of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Otters species mostly within the genus Lontra that inhabit the continents of North and South America. Many of these species are often called river otters. Sea otters are the heaviest and one of the most evolutionarily divergent species in the family Mustelidae. Badgers | Ferret-Badgers | Fisher | Grisons | Martens | Otters | Tayra | Weasels | Wolverine
