# How Long Do Otters Live?

> Otter lifespan is typically 10–15 years in the wild. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Otter (*Lutrinae*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Carnivore (fish, crustaceans, invertebrates)
- **Habitat:** Rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coasts
- **Lifespan:** 10–15 years in the wild
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/otter/how-long-do-otter-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/otter/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

Otters are semi-aquatic carnivorous mammals in the weasel family, found in rivers, lakes, and coasts across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are 13 species, from the small river otters to the sea otter, all with dense waterproof fur, webbed feet, and streamlined bodies built for swimming. They feed mainly on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey, and are known for their playful behavior and use of tools. Most otters live around 10 to 15 years in the wild.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Behavior and play

Otters are intelligent, social, and famously playful, often seen sliding down muddy or snowy banks and wrestling with one another. This play helps young otters develop hunting and social skills. They are superb swimmers, propelling themselves with powerful tails and webbed feet, and can close their nostrils and ears underwater. Sea otters are known for using rocks as tools to crack open shellfish.

## Help protect the Otter

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/otter/how-long-do-otter-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.