Otter

Summit 1B
 What are otters?
• Otters are semi-aquatic mammals that are found in freshwater and marine
habitats all over the world. There are 13 different species of otters, and they
range in size from the Asian small-clawed otter, which is only about 10
pounds, to the giant otter, which can weigh up to 140 pounds.
 Otters Food
• Otters are carnivores, and their diet consists mainly of fish, shellfish, and
small mammals.

• They are very good at catching prey, and they use their sharp claws
and teeth to tear it apart.
 Reproduction
• Otters typically mate in the spring, and then the female gives birth to 1-3
pups after a gestation period of about 60 days.

• The pups are born blind and helpless, but they grow quickly and
become able to swim and dive within a few weeks.
 Physical characteristics
• Otters have a sleek streamlined body that is well-adapted for
swimming.

• They have webbed feet, a thick layer of fur, and a long, tapered tail
that helps them to steer and balance in the water. Otters are also
very good at diving, because they can hold their breath for up to 8
minutes.
 Otter species
• There are 13 extant otter species, which are divided into two subfamilies:

1. river otters: 2. sea otters:

 • Here is a brief overview of some of the most common
otter species:
1. Giant otter: 
• The biggest otter species, giant otters can grow
up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 140 pounds.
They are found in freshwater habitats in South
America.

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2. Sea otter: 
• The only marine otter species, sea otters are
found in the North Pacific Ocean. They are
smaller than giant otters, but they are still very
big, growing up to 4 feet long and weighing up
to 60 pounds. They are also well-known for
their thick fur, which helps them to stay warm
in the cold water.
3. Eurasian otter:
• One of the most widespread otter species,
Eurasian otters are found in freshwater
habitats in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
They are about 3 feet long and weigh up to 30
pounds.
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4. Asian small-clawed otter:
• The smallest otter species, Asian small-clawed
otters are found in freshwater habitats in Asia.
They are only about 2 feet long and weigh up
to 10 pounds.
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5. North American river otter:
• The most common otter species in North
America, North American river otters are found
in freshwater habitats in the United States and
Canada. They are about 3 feet long and weigh
up to 30 pounds.
 Threats
• Otters are facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, pollution,
hunting and illegal fur trade. As a result, some Otter species such as the
neotropical, southern, marine, giant, and Congo clawless otters are critically
endangered.
 Conclusion
• In conclusion, Otters are fascinating and intelligent animals that play an
important role in the ecosystem. We need to do everything we can to
protect them from extinction.
 The end
Thank you for your attention!