Otters live close to water and spend much time in it. They are expert swimmers and divers and can stay underwater for three or four minutes. They move awkwardly on land. Otters live on all the continents except Australia and Antarctica.
Otters live along rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters, or in marshes.
This article is about otters that live in fresh waters. Special muscles enable the animal to close its ears and nostrils tightly to keep water out. Elastic webbing grows between the otter's toes. In most species, the webbing is extensive enough to help the animals swim swiftly. Otters, like beavers and muskrats, have long coarse guard hairs that cover and protect the short, thick underfur.