Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic, or marine. Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals.

2025年3月19日 · otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. The otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail that helps propel the animal gracefully through water.

The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems.

The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and...

The otter family is classified into seven distinct genera: Enhydra, Pteronura, Lontra, Lutra, Hydrictis, Lutrogale, and Aonyx. Each displays distinctive characteristics, from their way of life to their number of claws.

2025年2月10日 · An otter refers to a semiaquatic carnivorous mammal of the subfamily Lutrinae under Mustelidae, a family that also includes weasels, badgers, minks, stoats, wolverines, and others. There are currently 13 living otter species found …

2025年3月19日 · Most authorities maintain that 13 species of otters make up the subfamily Lutrinae. The status of the Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus) remains a subject of debate. Some researchers consider the animal to be a subspecies of the African small-clawed otter (A. capensis) and hence give it the taxonomic name A. capensis congicus.

Otters are opportunistic carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. There are 13 existing species, all semiaquatic or marine, with varied diets based on crustaceans, fish, molluscs, amphibians, invertebrates and more.

An otter is any member of 13 extant species of semi-aquatic and aquatic, carnivorous mammals comprising six genera within the family Mustelidae and typically characterized by webbed feet, dense fur, a long, thin weasel-like body, and a somewhat flattened head.

What makes otters so precious? Otters are part of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels. There are 13 species of otter around the world and many of them are endangered. Use the links below to explore the different species and find out more about otters in other parts of the world. Image © Wendy Yates