European otter

Lutra lutra

Vulnerable →

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

10 years

Length

1.0 m

Weight

10.0 kg

Trend

→ Stable

About

Sleek semi-aquatic mustelid found along clean rivers, streams, and coastlines across Europe and Asia. European otters can reach 1.3 meters in length and are highly skilled fish hunters, using sensitive whiskers to detect prey movements. Requiring unpolluted water with abundant fish, they are an indicator species for freshwater ecosystem health. Once nearly extinct in Western Europe from hunting and pollution, populations have recovered significantly following water quality improvements.

Fun Facts

✨ Otters hold hands while sleeping so they don't drift apart.
✨ Their fur is the densest of any animal, with up to 80,000 hairs per square cm.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

💧 Wetlands (Inland) 🐚 Marine Neritic

Found across Europe (6 countries). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇳🇴 Norway 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark

Diet & Behavior

🥩

Carnivore

European otter is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore

Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable

Population Trend

→ Stable

Full Taxonomy

Carnivora (Carnivorans)

Family

Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)

Genus

Lutra (Otters)

Species

Lutra lutra (European otter)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Nutria

French loutre, loutre deurope

German Otter, Fischotter

Similar Species in Lutra

Hairy-nosed otter

Lutra sumatrana

Endangered

View all species in Lutra →

Explore More

Compare Species

vs Hairy-nosed otter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of European otter?

The scientific name of European otter is Lutra lutra. It belongs to the genus Lutra.

What is the conservation status of European otter?

European otter (Lutra lutra) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is stable.

Where does European otter live?

European otter is found in Found across Europe (6 countries). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine.

What family does European otter belong to?

European otter (Lutra lutra) belongs to the genus Lutra, which is part of the taxonomic family Mustelidae.

What does European otter eat?

European otter is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does European otter live?

European otter has an average lifespan of approximately 10 years in the wild.

Is European otter endangered?

Yes, European otter (Lutra lutra) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

What kingdom does European otter belong to?

European otter (Lutra lutra) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (hewan).