Order CARNIVORA (continued) 



Family MUSTELID^. 



Sub-Family Lutrinae. 



Genus Lutra. 



THE COMMON OTTER. 



Lutra vulgaris, Erxleben. 

 Plate 17. 



The form of the Otter is well adapted to its aquatic habits, the 

 long flattened body, tapering tail, short legs, and broad webbed feet, 

 enable the animal to glide silently and swiftly under water when pursuing 

 its elusive prey. The muzzle, well provided with stiff whiskers, is broad 

 and overlaps the lower lips. The colour of the outer hair on the upper 

 parts is in general a rich glossy brown, while under this is a coat of 

 soft greyish fur. The cheeks, chest, belly, and inner surface of the limbs 

 are a dull grey. Considerable variation occurs in the size and weight 

 of the Otter, but a full-grown male will measure from nose to end of 

 tail from about 35 to 4 feet, the tail being rather more than half the 

 length of head and body. 



The Common Otter inhabits the greater part of Europe, and also 

 Asia and America, the smaller race of Northern India and the larger 

 one of North America not being recognised as distinct. 



In the British Islands, it is widely distributed throughout England, 

 Wales Scotland and Ireland. Owing to its shy and retiring habits 



I. 65 I 



