The River's Acrobat: The Eurasian Otter (Vidra) in Romania +video and views
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2026 2:18 pm
In the crystal-clear streams of the Carpathians and the labyrinthine channels of the Danube Delta (see more), lives a master of stealth and play: the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra). Known locally as Vidra, this semi-aquatic mammal is a true delight for those lucky enough to spot it.
The "River Dog" and Local Folklore
Romanians sometimes call the otter "Câinele de râu" (the River Dog) due to its intelligent face and loyalty to its territory.
A Master of Adaptation
The Otter is perfectly engineered for its life in the Romanian waters:
While they are shy, you can find signs of their presence (like tracks or "spraints") in:
A Hidden Predator: Safety and Respect
As a regular reminder on our site, wild animals are unpredictable. * Do not be fooled by the "cute" factor: An otter is a fierce predator from the mustelid family (related to badgers and weasels). If cornered or protecting its young, it can be incredibly aggressive and has a very powerful bite.
FAQ: The Eurasian Otter
1. Can otters stay underwater for long?
Yes! A wild otter can stay submerged for up to 7 minutes, though most dives for hunting last between 30 and 90 seconds.
2. Is it true they play just for fun?
Yes. Otters are among the few wild animals that engage in "play" as adults. They love sliding down muddy or snowy banks into the water, a behavior that builds social bonds and hones their coordination.
3. What do they eat?
Fish (trout, carp, pike) make up about 80% of their diet, but they are opportunistic. They also eat crayfish, frogs, and occasionally small water birds or rodents.
4. Are they endangered in Romania?
While they suffered in the past due to pollution, the population in Romania is currently stable and protected by law. They are a "sentinel species"—if the otters are doing well, it means the water is clean and the fish population is healthy.
The "River Dog" and Local Folklore
Romanians sometimes call the otter "Câinele de râu" (the River Dog) due to its intelligent face and loyalty to its territory.
- The Legend of the Beautiful Girl: In some parts of the Delta, local lore says the otter was once a beautiful girl who refused an arranged marriage. As punishment, she was transformed into a creature that could never stay fully on land nor fully in water—forever wandering between the two worlds.
- The Land of Otters: Did you know there is a whole region in the Apuseni Mountains called Țara Vidrelor (The Land of Otters)? The commune of Vidra is named after these creatures, which have been part of the local identity for centuries.
Eurasian Otter emerging from still water in the Danube Delta, Romania.
The Otter is perfectly engineered for its life in the Romanian waters:
- The "Engine": Its long, thick tail acts like a powerful rudder, while its webbed feet provide incredible speed.
- The Coat: An otter has up to 50,000 hairs per square centimeter! This incredibly dense fur traps air, acting as a built-in "dry suit" that keeps its skin dry and warm even in freezing mountain streams.
- Whiskers (Vibrissae): These are highly sensitive sensors that help the otter "feel" the movement of fish in murky water.
- Where to Find Them
While they are shy, you can find signs of their presence (like tracks or "spraints") in:
- The Danube Delta: The highest density of otters in Romania. They can even be seen in the ports of Tulcea or near fishing villages.
- Văcărești Natural Park (Bucharest): A miracle of urban nature, where otters have reclaimed the heart of the capital city.
- Retezat National Park: In the high-altitude glacial lakes and trout streams, they are the top predators.
- The Apuseni Mountains: Especially along the Arieș River and its tributaries.
A Hidden Predator: Safety and RespectAs a regular reminder on our site, wild animals are unpredictable. * Do not be fooled by the "cute" factor: An otter is a fierce predator from the mustelid family (related to badgers and weasels). If cornered or protecting its young, it can be incredibly aggressive and has a very powerful bite.
- Respect their silence: Otters are mostly nocturnal or active at dawn and dusk. If you see one, stay still and silent. They have excellent hearing and smell and will vanish at the slightest vibration.
FAQ: The Eurasian Otter
1. Can otters stay underwater for long?
Yes! A wild otter can stay submerged for up to 7 minutes, though most dives for hunting last between 30 and 90 seconds.
2. Is it true they play just for fun?
Yes. Otters are among the few wild animals that engage in "play" as adults. They love sliding down muddy or snowy banks into the water, a behavior that builds social bonds and hones their coordination.
3. What do they eat?
Fish (trout, carp, pike) make up about 80% of their diet, but they are opportunistic. They also eat crayfish, frogs, and occasionally small water birds or rodents.
4. Are they endangered in Romania?
While they suffered in the past due to pollution, the population in Romania is currently stable and protected by law. They are a "sentinel species"—if the otters are doing well, it means the water is clean and the fish population is healthy.