Giant otter

Giant otters were a monstrous variety of the mundane aquatic mammal of the same name.

Description
Giant otters were both fast runners and fast swimmers. Their bodies measured in length.

Behavior
Much like the mundane otter, these creatures were relatively peaceful and playful creatures. Sliding around and playing tag were some of their favorite past times.

Giant otters would not attack others unless threatened, cornered, or their young were threatened. In which case, they fought fiercely. Even their young would fight to defend themselves.

Diet
Giant crayfish were one of many creatures they were known to prey upon.

Habitats
Much like their smaller kin, giant otters could be found inhabiting a variety of lakes and rivers. They were particularly known to inhabit the Lake of Steam in South Faerûn, the Moonsea lake, freshwater bodies in the Moonshae Isles, as well as the rivers and coasts of Phlan.

Beyond the Prime Material plane, they could be found in the River Oceanus.

Relationships
Giant otters tended to cause some collateral damage as they played. Breaking carts, overturning boats or wagons, and panicking horses.

Some nereids were known to keep giant otters as pets. And some aquatic rangers were known to have them as animal companions.

Usages
Much like the mundane otter, creatures were known to hunt this giant variety for their pelts. Their pelts typically sold for around 1,000 to 4,000 gold pieces.

Trivia

 * Those who specialized in sea-based magic could summon a giant otter with the monster summoning IV spell.
 * A giant otter could also be summoned by means of the conjure animals spell.

Appearances

 * Appearances
 * Ruins of Adventure