An otter’s diet is very varied, and they have been known to eat almost anything that they can get their paws on. In the wild, an otter’s diet depends on where they live and what is available at that time of year.
They are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything that they can find.
An otter’s diet is mostly fish but they also enjoy eating crabs, frogs, crayfish, turtles, birds (especially those caught while they are diving), shrews, moles, mice, and other small mammals.
If they will have the chance, they will surely attack and prey on ducks, so precautions needs to be taken to protect them from otters if they are in the area.
Table of Contents
What Are Otters?
Otters are carnivorous aquatic mammals that are found in all parts of the world except in Polar Regions. They are related to weasels and ferrets and have webbed toes to help them when they are swimming.
Otters have excellent hearing and eyesight both underwater and on land, are very playful and are excellent at using their paws to catch food.
They come in many different sizes, colors and types and are known for the distinctive vocalizations that they make which are used mainly for communication. Most otters mate for life, and there are 13 species of otter found in the world.
These little mammals are really important for ecosystems because they catch and eat fish, crabs, and other aquatic animals and help to keep populations of these animals healthy and under control.
Do Otters Eat Ducks?
Yes, it is quite common for otters to eat ducks and other waterfowl, especially when they are hungry and can’t find smaller prey. They tend to use their powerful jaws to bite the necks or heads of the ducks and then stop them from struggling with their paws.
Ducks and other waterfowl are an important source of nutrition for otters because they are rich in meat and fat.
Why Do Otters Attack Ducks?
Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl are often attacked by otters because they make tempting prey items that are great sources of nutrition. Otters can smell the scents produced by injured or sick birds and will hunt them down until they find and eat them if they can.
If there is an abundance of ducks around, it can be hard for otters to catch fish so they will attack the ducks instead which have less protection right on the surface of the water.
There have been many stories in recent years about otters attacking ducklings so farmers who keep these domestic breeds protected from otter attacks by building pens for them on land.
What Animals Eat Ducks?
Ducks are susceptible to predators, and it is your responsibility to keep them safe and secure. Here are some of the most common predators:
Hawks and eagles
Unfortunately, owls are not the only predators that chomp ducklings, there are many other birds that love to feast on ducks. Hawks and eagles target them too in search of a nice meal.
Foxes are one of the most common predators that eat ducks, if you have a duck farm, you will find them sneaking in and feasting on habits.
Coyotes
These lovely doggies will not hesitate to feast on your ducklings if they get the chance. They are not picky when it comes to food, so don’t let them have a taste of your ruffled fowls.
These cute looking creatures also love to feast on ducklings and duck eggs, so be sure to check the area regularly to ensure that there is none of them lurking around.
Snakes
Rattlesnakes and copperheads are not the only snakes that love to eat ducks, there are several other non-venomous species that target them too, and they are not easy to spot.
Dogs
Yes, dogs, if not trained correctly will attack anything that moves, and you have to bear in mind that ducks are small and easy to catch. So be careful not only of yours but also your neighbors’ dogs.
Conclusion
Ducks are often attacked by otters because they are easy prey, and they also may be threatened by an otter because of territorial altercations, or an attack on their nests.
Otters are very protective of their territory and will attack any waterfowl to prevent them from entering the area.
