Otter

(ol'tur.) [A.S.] (Zool.) The common name of the animals composing the gen. Lutra, fam. Mustelidæ, characterized by a flat head, elongated body, short, pal mated feet, and tail depre ed and rounded at the sides. Otters are aquatic, and are found in all parts of the world. They feed upon fish, which they pursue with such dexterity that few are swift enough to elude them. The American Otter, L. can a dens is, of N. America E. of the Rocky Mountains,is abt. 4½ feet long, including the tail, which is 18 inches in length. The color is liver-brown above, slightly lighter beneath. The fur is of two kinds: one long, somewhat coarse, and scattered; the other shorter, fine, dense, and much esteemed.- The Sea-O. (Enhydria marina), which is a much larger species than the others,is about the size of a large mastiff, and weighs 70 or 80 lbs. When in full season, the fur is a fine glo y black, and sells at very high prices in China, where the skins are usually obtained. It is exclusively found between the 49th and 60th deg. N. Lat., and always frequents the coast. Otter Tail, in Minnesota, a N.W. central co.; area, 2,016 sq. m.; C. Otter Tail City. Pop. 1,968. [s. 672]