Saturday, 04 February 2012
Otter
Scientific Name:
Lutra lutra
Weight:
5-12kg
Lifespan:
Up to 10 years Description
Otters have the typical Mustelid body shape of a long, slim body and skull with powerful jaws. They have webbed feet and a powerful rudder like tail, which they use to propel them through water. They have two types of fur - thich waterproof guard hairs and a dense, fine underfur that provides insulation. The colouring is chestnut brown and lighter underbelly.
Distribution
Widely found throughout the U.K. but difficult to spot due to it's secretive nature.
Habitat
Found in inland rivers and also on the coast.
Reproduction
Otters will breed all year round and has a gestation period of around 63 days, after which, two or three cubs are born. The cubs are blind at birth and are covered in a grey or dark coloured downy fur. Their eyes open around 35 days. The cubs remain in the holt for a further few weeks, eventually venturing out with their mother. They are weaned after three to four months, reaching sexual maturity after two or three years
Footprint Image
Footprint Description
4, sometimes 5 digital pads show in tracks. Distinct claws give "toes" a pointed appearance. Webbing between toes sometimes shows in soft ground.
Footprint Size
hind - 8.5x6cm fore - 6.5x6cm stride - over 35cm
Droppings Images
Droppings Description
Otter droppings, or "spraints" as they are often known, are usually almost black when fresh, at which time the anal jelly which holds the dropping together when emitted will still be visible. Spraints dry very quickly, and rapidly break down into a crumbled state. Their loose texture, profusion of food remains such as fish bones,shell fragments, water beetle elytra etc make them fairly easy to recognise. The most reliable indentification though is their odour. Spraints have a very sweet smell, like lavender. Size can vary immensely, sometimes tiny fragments are all that will be found, other times larger spraints are left behind. Droppings play a huge part in marking territories, and as such are often deposited in prominent spots where they wont be washed away by river currents etc - large boulders, tree stumps, boardwalks, under bridges are all oft-used places.