holt
n. countablen. the home or hiding place of a wild animal, especially an otter. It is usually a hole or a small cave near water.
n. the den or lair of an animal, specifically used in reference to the habitat of an otter. Often located in riverbanks or under tree roots.
The otter swam back to its holt under the riverbank.
Wildlife photographers spent weeks waiting near the river, hoping to see the cubs emerge from the holt.
Hidden beneath the tangled roots of an ancient willow, the holt provided a secure sanctuary for the otter family away from the eyes of predators.
English, Dutch, north German, Norwegian and Danish surname, all from the noun holt (“copse, woodland”).
Primarily used in British English and ecological contexts; often paired with 'otter' as a specific descriptor.