Otters are the most playful creatures of all wildlife. There are thirteen species of otter; The ones in this story are North American river otters. This species was once commonly hunted and trapped for it's thick, warm fur; now the biggest threats these otters face are water pollution and loss of habitat. They share many similarities with European river otters, which had been experiencing a severe population decline but, thanks to conservation efforts, I now making a strong comeback. Though some European river otters live along the coast of Norway, they are not to be confused with true sea otters of the North Pacific coast. Other species include African clawless otters, Asian small-clawed otters - which are the smallest species of otter - and giant otters, which are as long as a man is tall! There is even a hairy-nosed otter. But one thing all otters have in common is... they all love to play!Otters are the most playful creatures of all wildlife. There are thirteen species of otter; The ones in this story are North American river otters. This species was once commonly hunted and trapped for it's thick, warm fur; now the biggest threats these otters face are water pollution and loss of habitat. They share many similarities with European river otters, which had been experiencing a severe population decline but, thanks to conservation efforts, I now making a strong comeback. Though some European river otters live along the coast of Norway, they are not to be confused with true sea otters of the North Pacific coast. Other species include African clawless otters, Asian small-clawed otters - which are the smallest species of otter - and giant otters, which are as long as a man is tall! There is even a hairy-nosed otter. But one thing all otters have in common is... they all love to play!