Otter - description, habitat, lifestyle

Otters are familiar to many due to the fact that images of semi-aquatic mammals are quite common on the Internet. Funny, crafty and fluffy - this is not all the characteristics of the family. They are considered medium-sized, have a peaceful temperament, but at the same time they do not try to tame their temper if danger has appeared on the horizon. In this article, we consider representatives of the marten family. We will discuss nutrition, distribution, features of reproduction and other important aspects, one way or another, associated with otters.

Description

1. Under the otter is meant a mammal, which is classified as predator. Individuals from the marten family in their overall characteristics grow to 60–90 cm, it all depends on the particular variety. The tail reaches about 25-50 cm in length, which is quite a lot for the average animal. The body is muscular and strong, the otter is distinguished by its maneuverability in water and a ridiculous gait on land.
2. A distinctive characteristic is the fact that some large individuals by weight are only 10 kg. Most of the body volume is given to dense fur, which is appreciated. As for pigmentation, mammals can be either brownish or brown, and the tone does not depend on the type of representative of the family. The fur coat is short, but dense and valuable.
3. As for molting, it can occur in the spring or summer season. These mammals are very clean, they can take care of themselves for hours, licking the fur and cleaning it from pollution. Therefore, such animals are often kept at home. The coat will no longer keep warm when it is heavily soiled. The intelligence of otters allows us to understand this, so they do not give descent to either themselves or their offspring.
4. Despite the fact that the eyes are small and resemble buttons, these mammals have excellent eyesight. Moreover, they perfectly see both in the water and on land. The paws are equipped with membranes, because the animal spends most of the time in the water. Representatives of the family are excellent dives and swimmers, have strong sharp claws and rounded long fingers.
5. The ears and nose of the animal are interestingly arranged. As soon as the mammal falls under water, these parts of the body are blocked by membranes, thereby preventing the penetration of water. When the otter is hunting, then at a maximum speed it swims up to 0.3 km. If the mammal feels threatened, it will begin to hiss. In the process of pampering, kids can squeak or chatter.
6. The distribution of the otter was extensive. However, they are often used only as hunters or pets. Some even eat them, which does not have a positive effect on the population. In the process of hunting, mammals drive the fish to the nets, thereby increasing the catch. In the natural environment, the family has many enemies, including stray dogs, bears, crocodiles, large birds, jaguars and wolves. But the greatest danger is human activity.

Habitat

1. The discussed species of animals is found in almost all corners of the globe. Distribution affects Eurasia, with the possible exception of Switzerland, Holland. Also there are individuals in the USA, North Africa. In the process of choosing a place to live, otters prefer a clean environment.
2. Individuals of this family will not swim in polluted and muddy water sources. They need clean water. Often otters swim from place to place if subsistence ends. They eat fish, crustaceans, mollusks and amphibians. In summer, the selected area is not subject to change, otters live there permanently.They can sail 5 km. from home, but no further.
3. However, in the winter, it all depends on the temperature of the water in the habitat. If the source is completely frozen, then the animals leave this place. They love snow and ice skating, do not freeze at all and can be in the water for a long time. Due to their endurance, the flocks can gather on a journey, travel more than 10 km. To reach a suitable point.
4. There are many varieties of these mammals. For example, the Caucasian representative feels great at the top. It can go many kilometers through the mountains without feeling tired. Located at an altitude of up to 2.5 km. above sea level. When these mammals decide to stop, they do not dig a hole for themselves, but occupy a home abandoned by beavers.
5. The terrain must be hidden from the eyes of predators and people. As a rule, this zone is difficult or inaccessible at all, except for the otters themselves. As a rule, animals do not make paths, but use what they eat. The same road to the house is carefully guarded. In addition to the main dwelling, animals acquire other shelters near the site. But this place is located from a water source at a distance of 0.2 km., In order to protect themselves from water coming out of shore.

Food

1. The basis of the daily menu is fish, but the meal options do not end there. Representatives of the family under discussion lean on the eggs of birds, mollusks, crayfish, some insects and rodents. Otters are famous for their gluttony, so they need a fishing place for food. Otherwise, mammals weaken and die.
2. All individuals of the marten family are excellent hunters. First they handle their prey, playfully, then they already eat. These animals bring tremendous value to fishermen, because they drive fish into the net perfectly. A mammal can consume about 1 kg per day. fish.
3. Interesting otter eats while in the aquatic environment. She catches a small fish, flips on her back, puts the fish on her stomach and slowly uses it. Pulls large prey ashore to calmly feast on. When the meal comes to an end, the otter wipes its belly and cleans.

Lifestyle

1. It is believed that individuals belong to animals that are nocturnal. However, they may well be active in the daytime or in the evening. Do not think that this can harm them somehow.
2. It is worth noting that such animals in most cases prefer a solitary lifestyle. An exception can be considered the period when cubs appear in the female. Offspring continues to live with their mother for up to 1 year. After that, the kids leave her.
3. In addition, otters are divided into subspecies, in this case there are those individuals who, on the contrary, cannot stand loneliness. It is worth highlighting separately the gigantic view of European otters. They are active during the day, in addition, they are not afraid.
4. Such individuals live mainly in packs, in the same way they hunt. Animals gather around and drive the fish to the center. An interesting fact is that in most cases, otters spend a lot of time in water, but on land they are also not bad.
5. On earth, animals try to trot. After themselves they leave a twisting trace. Often they even jump forward. Surprisingly, the length of their jump can reach 1.5 m. As for winter conditions, animals hardly move on loose snow.
6. The problem is that otters have short limbs. Therefore, they are hunched over and try to gallop. If the snow already has a denser structure, they glide over it on the belly. In addition, animals are characterized by increased activity and playfulness.
7. Therefore, not far from their minks you can observe the rolled slides. Uplands also have similar rolled tracks. Animals, like penguins, accelerate and glide on their belly.Moreover, otters ride for their pleasure, they can climb the hill several times and go down from it.
8. Individuals love to play, and their main fun is catching their own tail. They can hunt for paws. In addition, otters, having caught a fish, can first play with it before eating it.
9. In the warm season, when there is a sufficient amount of fish in the reservoir, the animals are in no hurry to leave such a place. Most often they are attached to this site. The otter diet includes fish, crabs, rodents, frogs, and even birds.
10. The otter hunting area can extend along the coast for 18 km. Moreover, animals can move up to 100 m from the coast. In winter, when it is difficult to find food, individuals overcome up to 20 km per day. in search of prey.

Breeding

1. Individuals reach puberty at the age of about two years. Males in this regard are late for about a year. In most cases, such individuals prefer to lead a solitary lifestyle. Mating takes place directly in water.
2. Reproduction occurs only once a year and falls in the spring. Female pregnancy lasts a little more than 2 months. At a time, no more than 4 babies can be born. They are born blind, but already with warm fur. They gain vision after 1 month.
3. Then their teeth begin to erupt, they learn to swim. At the age of six months, they try to lead an independent lifestyle. As soon as the offspring is 1 year old, they leave their parents. Otters live on average about 15 years.

Otters are amazing creatures, they are playful and very active. Currently, many people prefer to get these animals as pets. However, due to the activities of poachers, the number of individuals is at risk.

Video: otter (Lutra lutra)