Water-loving Otters are known for their densely-coated pelt - Enthusiasts of aquatic life with an unusually thick coat of fur - the otter community
Eurasian Otters: Germany's Furbearers with a Vast Range
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Germany's largest native mustelid species, eludes human sight due to their active hours, which are primarily at night and during twilight. Grayish brown throughout their bodies, these stealthy swimmers can traverse up to 20 kilometers in a single night.
Female otters often claim territories within a male's domain, and their breeding patterns are not limited to specific seasons, allowing young to be born at any time of the year. Typically, a litter consists of one to three offspring, which gain autonomy by their first birthday.
Feeding on a variety of aquatic prey, otters can consume up to a kilogram of fish per day. Their diet also includes frogs, crabs, waterbirds, and certain species of mice. With an average lifespan of nine to ten years in the wild, their dietary choices contribute to maintaining balance within their natural habitats.
Average otters weigh up to 12 kilograms and measure up to 1.20 meters in length, with their tail comprising about a third of their body length. Adapted for aquatic environments, they possess webbed feet that enable them to dive for up to eight minutes. And interestingly, otters boast the densest fur of all native wild animals, with an astonishing 80,000 hairs per square centimeter of their skin—that's six times more than the average human head.
Based on reports from the German Hunting Association, otters can be found in river systems across Germany. However, no substantial populations of otters have been reported within the historic city of Mainz, located on the Rhine and Main rivers. While otters may theoretically inhabit the rivers in Mainz, their natural preference for clean, well-oxygenated water systems usually places them in less urbanized, rural areas, rather than cities like Mainz.
Future conservation efforts may help otter populations recover and expand, but, at present, Mainz does not feature prominently in the discussion regarding otters in Germany.
The community policy regarding the preservation of Eurasian otters in Germany might consider vocational training programs for locals to learn about the benefits of maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water systems, as it could help attract and protect otters within urban areas such as Mainz. A thriving otter population could potentially improve the city's lifestyle, turning Mainz into a home-and-garden destination for these fascinating animals, enriching the city's biodiversity and adding a unique appeal to its urban landscape.
