Sir, – Regarding the reference to the otter as being the largest member of the weasel family (July 7th), the largest member of the family (Mustelidae) is, in fact, the wolverine. or glutton (Gulo gulo), which is native to the boreal forests and sub-arctic regions of the northern hemisphere, including northern US, Canada and northern Europe. It has a reputation for ferocity and strength out of all proportion to its size, and more closely resembles a small bear.
Despite this, and the imposing size of the South American giant otter, it does hold the distinction of being the daddy of them all, exceptionally reaching in excess of 30kg. Males are typically 30 per cent larger than females. – Yours, etc,
JOE CORCORAN,
Kilkenny.