Otters live in a variety of watery habitats around the world. They are found in freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and also in coastal areas and marine habitats. Different species of otters inhabit different regions; for example:
- The North American river otter lives near rivers, lakes, swamps, coastal shorelines, tidal flats, and estuaries across much of Canada, the United States, and parts of Mexico. They build dens close to the water's edge and are versatile both in water and on land.
- The Eurasian otter, the most widely distributed species, lives in unpolluted freshwater bodies such as lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds across Eurasia from Ireland to Indonesia.
- Some otters live along seashores and riverbanks, such as otters in Scotland that use dens called holts in burrows or caves near water.
- Sea otters are unique in that they live only in shallow coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean.
In summary, otters live predominantly close to water, whether freshwater or coastal marine environments, often occupying burrows, dens, or natural hollows near the water's edge to support their semi-aquatic lifestyle.
