Tag otter

CREATURE FEATURE: Eurasian Otter

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The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is a semi-aquatic mammal in the Mustelidae family of weasels and otters. It is also known as the European Otter, Common Otter, Old World Otter, and Eurasian River Otter.

The Eurasian Otter has a streamlined, elongated body, and a long, strong, flat tail. It has two layers of dense brown water-repellent fur, and a cream underbelly. It has a short neck, small dark eyes, a black nose, long white whiskers, and small rounded ears. It has five long toes and webbed feet to swim in water, but it needs air to breathe.

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RESEARCH: Otters juggle stones when they are excited about food

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Scientists have shown, in a new study, that otters juggles stones when they are excited about food.  

Scientists think that the behaviour might help to train young otters to learn the skills they will need to help them get food from mussels and clams. For older otters, the behaviour might keep them active and busy. 

The scientists observed zoo otters tossing stones in the air, like juggling stones, while standing or lying on their backs. 

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Spotted-Necked Otter

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The Spotted-Necked Otter (Hydrictis maculicollis) is a freshwater semi-aquatic mammal. It lives on water and on land.

The Spotted-Necked Otter has a long, slender body with short, chocolate-brown to reddish-brown water-repellent fur, with white spots on its chest, neck, and throat. It has a short nose, round ears, and a nose pad (like a dog). It has short legs with webbed feet for swimming, but it also walks on land.  It has long whiskers, called vibrissae. It has a long, tapered tail.

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Asian Small-Clawed Otter

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The Asian Small-Clawed Otter (Amblonyx cinereus) is the smallest otter in the world. It is also called the Oriental Small-Clawed Otter. They are related to the weasel.

They have slender long and flexible bodies with dark grey-brown fur, with lighter patches on the face and neck. Otters have two types of fur: long, stout guard hairs and short, fine undercoat hairs, which looks velvety.

Asian Small-Clawed Otters have flat heads and thick necks. Their eyes are located at the front of their head. The ears are small and rounded and have a valve that enables them to be closed when the otters swim underwater.

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