Otter is a mammal of the genus Otter in the order Carnivorous, family Italidae. Otters are also known as otter cats, fish cats, water dogs, water wool, and water monkeys. Otters are distributed throughout China, including Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Otters are semi aquatic animals that often inhabit rivers, lakes, or streams, as well as their banks. They can even be found in rice paddies and are more common in areas with gentle water flow. Otters mainly feed on fish. Due to poaching and other issues, otters face significant threats to their survival in countries such as Asia, and their overall population is declining. The otter is now listed in China's "National Key Protected Wildlife List" and recognized as a second-class protected animal in the country.