by Dana DeSousa
by Dana DeSousa
Eurasian otters have long bodies, short legs, and a stout tail. They also have sleek fur that is waterproof. The hairs are gray at the roots and brown at the tips. In adults, there is usually a white patch near the throat. Their feet are also webbed, have five toes and small claws. They can live up to 11 years in captivity and can weigh up to 35 lbs.
The
Eurasian otter usually lives in burrows made on riverbanks, creeks, and lakes.
Their habitat is usually located in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Fur trade
The otter
reproduces about two litters annually and there are usually one to six cubs or
pups in a litter (more commonly 1-2 cubs or pups). Gestation period is
approximately 60 to 64 days. The pups remain with their family for about a year
and they reach their adult age at about 2 years.
The Eurasian
Otter is part of the carnivora family. They enjoy eating crabs, sea urchins,
mollusks, cray fish, frogs, birds and other sea creatures and small mammals.
They fall in the middle of the food chain. The main cause of the
decline in otter population is the use of human pesticides and PCB's.