#common otter

[thebeastsofindia]

Sri Lankan Otters (Lutra lutra nair), family Mustelidae, order Carnivora, Sri Lanka

Photo by Michael Barth

[namu-the-orca]

Those other marine mammals

For the UK bycatch project, I also had to illustrate some other species than the cetaceans I am so familiar with. Animals with legs and fur and nails... foreign concepts for sure. Jokes aside, it's always a challenge to illustrate a species you don't really know. I always wonder whether a seal or otter scientist would also approve of these, or if mistakes would immediately jump out to them (like they do for me with cetacean illustrations).

I don't really like how the harbour seal turned out, it looks too much like a stuffed animal to me. And the grey seal was a challenge because frankly, those males in real life look like weird muppets. So when drawing you're constantly torn between "does it look weird because I'm messing up or because I'm doing well?" haha. In the end I'm happy with it though! And the otter I'm very fond of. Such keen eyed creatures, I hope to see one in the wild some day.

[faunalregion]

[fuckyeahaquaria]

North American River Otter | Lontra canadensis

“River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives.” (Source)

[the-faunal-frontier]

Lutra lutra - Eurasian Otter

[thebestinphotography]

Eurasian river otter

[fuckyeahaquaria]

Northern River Otter |  Lontra canadensis

The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Otter abodes feature numerous tunnels—one of which usually allows them to come and go from the water.

On land, river otters can bound and run quite well, if not quite as effectively as they swim. They love to playfully slide down snow-covered, icy, or muddy hills—often ending with a splash in the water. Otter families of mother and children can be seen enjoying such fun, which also teaches survival skills.

[the-faunal-frontier]

Lontra canadensis - North American River Otter