Pronunciation: [ˈɒtəz] (IPA) 
When it comes to spelling, the word "otters" can be a bit tricky as the vowel sound is pronounced differently than it is spelled. The IPA phonetic transcription of "otters" is /ˈɑːtərz/, which indicates that the first syllable is pronounced with the "aw" sound as in "caught" rather than the expected short "o" sound. The second syllable uses the standard "er" sound. This can trip up many new English learners, but practice makes perfect!
Otters, noun: Otters are semiaquatic mammals that belong to the subfamily Lutrinae. They are small to medium-sized creatures with elongated, streamlined bodies that are well adapted for life in water. There are thirteen species of otters distributed around the world, inhabiting freshwater and marine ecosystems, predominantly in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
Physically, otters possess long, tapered tails, short limbs, and webbed feet, which allow them to skillfully swim and dive in search of prey. They have long, sensitive whiskers that aid in finding food underwater. Characterized by dense, water-repellent fur, otters have a dual layer that traps air and enhances buoyancy.
Otters are carnivorous mammals, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, frogs, and small invertebrates. They are known for their dexterity and intelligence in catching prey, using their forepaws to locate and manipulate their food.
Furthermore, otters usually live in social groups called "rafts" or "romps" and display excellent social behavior. They communicate through various vocalizations, including whistles, chirps, and growls, and scent marking.
Otters are widely appreciated for their playful nature and acrobatic agility, often seen sliding down banks or snow-covered slopes for fun. They play important ecological roles by regulating populations of prey species and maintaining the health of aquatic environments.
Unfortunately, many otter populations are currently facing threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these charismatic creatures and ensure their long-term survival.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "otter" can be traced back to the Old English word "oter", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "utraz". This ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root word "udrós" meaning "water animal". The word "otter" has remained relatively unchanged throughout the centuries and is now used to describe the semiaquatic mammal known for its playful nature and ability to swim.
