Eurasian Otter

The European otter is a sleek, semi-aquatic mammal with dense brown fur, a pale throat, and a long, powerful tail. Adapted for life in water, it can live up to ten years in the wild, though many die younger due to pollution, road accidents, and loss of prey.

Otters spend much of their time along rivers, lakes, and coasts, diving with ease to hunt fish, their main food source. They also eat amphibians, crustaceans, and occasionally small birds or mammals. Known for their playful nature, they slide down muddy banks and chase each other in water. To survive harsh winters, they rely on thick fur rather than fat and maintain several resting sites, called holts, in riverbanks or tree roots.

Yet European otters face serious challenges. Water pollution and declining fish stocks in the 20th century drove them close to extinction in many regions. Habitat destruction and collisions with vehicles still threaten populations today.

Conservation initiatives, including cleaner waterways, legal protection, and habitat restoration, have allowed otters to return to rivers where they had long vanished. Thanks to these efforts, the species is once again becoming a symbol of healthy, thriving ecosystems across Europe.

#BeWild

🌎

Love otters? Us too. But they're in real danger of being lost forever and currently have an NEAR THREATENED status.

Funds are urgently required to save some of the most beautiful creatures on earth.

Do something amazing today and purchase the EURASIAN OTTER pin badge where the funds raised will support the feeding of otters in the UK. 

Thank you!

foreverwild proudly supports...