World Otter Day
On the last Wednesday of May, otter enthusiasts and conservationists around the globe come together to celebrate World Otter Day. This special day is dedicated to raising awareness about otters, highlighting their importance in ecosystems, and advocating for their protection.
![European otter (lutra lutra)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/European_otter_01.jpg/300px-European_otter_01.jpg)
Otters belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes badgers, weasels, and wolverines. These semiaquatic mammals are well-adapted to life in and around freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
One of the most remarkable features of otters is their playful behavior. They are known for sliding down muddy banks, wrestling with one another, and engaging in water-based games. This playfulness not only serves as entertainment but also plays a crucial role in their development and survival. Through play, otters learn essential skills such as hunting techniques, social interaction, and navigating their aquatic habitats.
Otters are also excellent swimmers, thanks to their streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and muscular tails. They can stay submerged for several minutes and are capable of diving to great depths in search of prey.