The term 'otter cousin' refers to two animals that are related to the otter. The first is the MINK, which is a small mammal with dark brown fur and a long, slender body. It is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The second is the ERMINE, which is a species of weasel with white fur and black-tipped tail. It is found in northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Both the MINK and the ERMINE are closely related to the otter and share many of its characteristics.