Otter river: appearance, habits, habitat

This animal of the Cuni family is so different from its relatives that zoologists are ready to recognize it as a separate detachment. Otter river, photo Which is very difficult to do because of her caution, lives along the shores of fresh water. She prefers mountain rivers or those whose rapid current does not allow the water to freeze in winter, as well as with rocky or pebbly bottom. Therefore, it is rarely possible to meet it in the valleys of large waterways. It is known that for the disappearing species of animals and plants there is a special list - the Red Book. River otter, Unfortunately, also contributed there, and not because she was the victim of uncontrolled hunting. The fact is that this small predator can live only in very clean water, and the industrial upsurge in Western Europe at the end of the XIX century has very polluted the natural environment. The otter completely disappeared from the expanses of Switzerland, Great Britain, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands (now there attempts are being made to introduce animals into habitual habitats). And in other areas of the Old World, the livestock of animals has significantly decreased. Subspecies of these creatures are found in North and Latin America, in Asia (up to the Arabian Peninsula and South China) and North Africa. And, of course, the otter river Does not live in the arctic tundra. After all, even in winter she needs open water. The largest of all species is the South American giant otter, which can reach a weight of 25 kg. By the way, these giants, unlike their counterparts who prefer to live alone, live in small communities.

River otter - An excellent swimmer. Everything in her physique is adapted for a long stay under water. The body is streamlined, elongated, the hind legs are longer than the forelegs, and the membranes between the fingers. Almost imperceptible ears are equipped with a special valve, preventing water from entering the auditory shell. Since the animal does not have a thick layer of fat (and it remains flexible and fast), all hope in the preservation of heat relies on fur. It is dense, with rough coarse hairs and a delicate wavy undercoat. But most importantly, it does not get wet! When moving in the water, the otter is assisted by a flat head and a long, muscular tail. Color of the otter is dark brown on top, and the abdomen is light, slightly silvery.

Eurasian otter river - Small predator. Males reach body length of 90 cm and weight of 10 kg, females - much less (55 cm and 6 kg). Their main food is a small fish, but these hunters do not disdain these eggs and chicks of river birds, frogs, caddis flies, water voles. The habitat of one individual is rather small - 250 m of coastal strip, which it marks with excrement. But the neighbor-otters live peacefully, and in a hungry time converge in places where there is food. The animal digs one permanent hole, the entrance to which opens under the water. The lair itself is dry, warm, lined with moss, grass and leaves. In winter, animals keep near a polynia or a promontine.

Hunt otter river Prefers morning and evening. During the day, it is basking in the sun, perched on a stone or trunk of a fallen tree. Her temper is funny and mischievous. The otters often play with themselves: making squealing and chirring, they like to roll into the water from inclined surfaces. In captivity they quickly tame, they recognize the master and flatter themselves like cats. In the wild live up to 10 years. Otters are very caring mothers. Its brood (usually in it 3 or 4 calves) the female bravely protects even from the person. Young people live with their parents for about a year.