Sea Otter

Scientific Classification

KINGDOM: Animalia

PHYLUM: Chordata

CLASS: Mammalia

ORDER: Carnivora

FAMILY: Mustelidae

GENUS: Enhydra

SPECIES: E. lutris

Conservation Status

Sea Otter wrapped up in in seaweed in prayer pose

Adult sea otters weigh between 30-100 pounds and can grow a little under five feet long, with males being larger than females. This makes them the heaviest critter in the weasel family, yet, also one of the smallest of marine mammals.

With none of this weight being blubber, sea otters stay warm with their extremely thick coats. In fact, they have up to 150,000 strands per centimeter, giving the sea otter the title of the densest fur of any animal!

A sea otter’s coat needs to stay clean otherwise it’ll have trouble absorbing air and staying dry. Regardless of the season, their fur will never molt all at once, but instead gradually replace itself. It is common to see sea otters constantly grooming themselves while they take advantage of their loose skin and flexible skeleton allowing them to reach any part of their body.

Sea otters can be found in the coastal waters of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. They prefer gravelly habitats such as barrier reefs and rocky coastlines to stay protected from strong ocean winds; however, they can also be found in areas with muddy or sandy floors.

A sea otter’s diet varies by location but is far from picky as they can prey on over 100 different species. Common selections are sea urchins, clams, mussels, crabs, and more. When hunting, sea otters will make several short dives holding their breath for 1-4 minutes. It is the only marine mammal that catches fish with its forepaws instead of its teeth. Sea otters are also specialized from their use of tools like using a rock to open clams or dislodge snails.

Sea otters can mate year-round not relying on a specific breeding season with males having multiple mates. After mating, the female can choose to implant the fertilized egg immediately or delay it for a few months. Pups are born weighing 3-5 pounds with eyes open, visible teeth, and a thick coat. Mothers take sole care of their pup teaching them how to swim to the sea floor, groom, and hunt.