Common Otter (Wildlife by CollectA)

Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972

Otters belong to the mustelid family, which also includes weasels and their kin, badgers, skunks, and wolverines. There are currently 13 extant species of otter that all range from semiaquatic to marine in their lifestyles. The Eurasian or common otter (Lutra lutra) is probably the most familiar member of the lot, with a range throughout Europe, much of Asia, and parts of Africa and the Middle East.

New for 2021, the CollectA common otter is posed with its head and upper body held high off the ground, its left front limb in mid-step, and its long tail curled forward. Looks like it’s been caught in the act of getting to its feet after a rest. From its nose to the curve in its tail, our otter measures about 8 cm long. A real common otter averages a little over a metre in length and 7-12 kg/15-26 lbs in mass, making it a medium-sized member of Lutrinae. Its South American relative the giant otter is the longest of all mustelids at nearly two metres while the sea otter of the northern Pacific seas is the heaviest at up to 45 kg/100 lbs or more.

The fur on this figure is coloured medium brown with dark brown wash. Light cream is used for the underside of the head, neck, and belly. The eyes and nose are black, the mouth seam is dull pink, the claws are a very pale pink, and the soles of paws are painted with dark pink. No issues with accuracy on that front. Mine has a small blemish on the left side of its muzzle, but no matter.

The otter’s fur is expertly sculpted to give it a thick yet sleek and streamlined appearance. The short limbs end in large webbed feet and the long, thick tail looks powerful. Like all otters, the common species feeds mainly on fish, which it actively pursues in lakes, rivers, and streams. It also feeds on insects, crustaceans, amphibians, birds, and occasionally young beavers and other small mammals.

The head on this otter is also beautifully rendered and the wide visage and relatively short neck help to distinguish it as the European species as opposed to its North American cousin. The common otter also has a longer tail and ears that are more widely spaced apart.

Overall, I’d say this otter is an exquisite little toy and a vast improvement over CollectA’s original one. Definitely worth the purchase!