European river otter Feb 19, 2025

The European river otter, pictured here, is more than just an adorable face in the wild. Found across Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa, these otters thrive in clean rivers, lakes and wetlands, serving as an important indicator of environmental health. These semi-aquatic animals are built for agility, with streamlined bodies, webbed feet and dense fur that keeps them warm even in icy waters. A single square centimetre of their fur can hold more than 70,000 hairs, making it one of nature"s most effective insulators. River otters were once endangered due to pollution and habitat loss. Yet, thanks to conservation efforts, their populations are rebounding in many regions across Europe.

© Ernst Dirksen/Minden Pictures

palette

Today in History

King of the ocean
Feb 19, 2024Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Pearl among the emeralds
Stepping back in time
May 14, 2024Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA
Feb 28, 2025Tibetan New Year
Apr 2, 2025Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States
Sep 27, 2023Via Krupp, Capri, Italy
Nov 23, 2023Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
Where the buffalo roam
Where are these spectacular peaks?
Jan 3, 2024Virupaksha temple, Hampi, Karnataka
Dec 30, 2024Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Nov 22, 2025Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
Dec 1, 2025Antarctica Day
Nov 29, 2023New York City, USA
Dec 30, 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
Oct 16, 2023Golden larches and Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Washington
Jul 11, 2024World Population Day
Dec 11, 2025International Mountain Day
Where are these birds headed?
Jul 10, 2024Collared aracari
Mar 20, 2025Spring equinox
Jun 9, 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain
Nov 9, 2025Interstellar clouds in the Lagoon Nebula
Fragrant fields as far as the eye can see
Jul 12, 2024Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
What is this grand structure?
Trunks packed for road
Shining city on the hill
The epitome of luxury
Where is this hidden waterfall?