The Eurasian otter is the only species found in Europe and its population became very depleted. In some western countries it became extinct. Populations have started to recover but it is slower than is suggested by the media.  The otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth, its various extant subspecies, numbering a total of 13.  For more facts and information please visit, e.g.: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lutra_lutra/ or https://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/osg-newsite/otr_species/eurasian-otter-lutra-lutra/ or https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=37969 (Environmental research project 2013) or https://www.monaconatureencyclopedia.com/lutra-lutra/ (4 languages: english, italiano, francais, espanol) or https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/lutra-lutra , last visit: 2022-02-18.