Uutteri

Uutteri is a Finnish word that translates to "otter" in English. Otters are semi-aquatic mammals belonging to the family Mustelidae. There are thirteen species of otters found across the globe, inhabiting a variety of environments from coastal waters to inland rivers and lakes. In Finland, the most common otter species is the European otter (Lutra lutra).

European otters are known for their sleek, streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and long, muscular tails, which aid them in swimming. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals. Otters are skilled hunters, employing a combination of speed, agility, and keen senses to catch their prey.

These animals are typically solitary and crepuscular or nocturnal, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk or during the night. They create dens, known as holts, in riverbanks, hollow logs, or rock crevices. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems as predators, helping to regulate fish populations. In recent decades, conservation efforts have been crucial for the recovery of otter populations in many parts of Europe, including Finland, due to past threats from habitat loss and pollution. The presence of uutteri is often an indicator of a healthy aquatic environment.