Eurasian otter

LIVING HABITS

The fish otter, common otter or the Eurasian otter is found in the waterways and on the coasts of Europe, Asia and Africa. In Finland, they can be found throughout the country, but less often on the south-western coastlines. The common otter needs waterways, lakes, and rivers as their habitat. Their webbed feet, slender body structure, and long tail foretell of great aquatic adaptation. They also close their ears and nostrils while diving under water. The common otter is mainly dusk and night-active, preferring a solitary existence in their territory. They feed on frogs, crayfish, water bird’s eggs and young ones, as well as, fish.

PROTECTION

The common otter has been hunted for their fur, and the common otter population in Finland has been close to extinction a couple of times. In 1939–1950 the otter was a protected species, and again in the 1970’s; these periods made the common otter population rebound well and nowadays the species is thriving, though not in large quantities. In 2015, the common otter was considered a thriving species in Finland; in Europe it is still considered an endangered species. Their greatest threat is the traffic, and pesticides in the water. Our otters are part of the European Endangered Species Program (EEP).

ADAPTING TO WINTER

The common otter continues their active life throughout winter, catching fish, and staying dry due to its impermeable fur coating.