(Lutra lutra) The otter has declined catastrophically in our country since the 1950s when it was common throughout the country. Today, the otter still exists widely in northern Sweden, as well as in small scattered groups in southern Sweden. The male and female may be together in early spring, otherwise they live alone. The cubs are usually born in May in our country. They weigh about 130 g at birth and are blind for the first two weeks. They are usually 2 in number and nurse for 2 months but stay with the mother for a whole year.
| Belongs to: |
Order Carnivora (carnivores/predators) |
| Family: |
Weasels (Mustelidae) |
| Weight: |
8 - 12 kg (male), 6 - 8 kg (female). |
| Lifespan: |
18 - 20 years |
| Mating season: |
There are probably two mating seasons - in March-April and also possibly during the summer. |
| Gestation period: |
60 - 63 days. Possibly also delayed fetal development. |
| Offspring: |
There are usually 2 kits but can vary between 1 - 5, and they become sexually mature at 2 - 3 years of age. |
