Species · GBIF taxon 2433670
Sea Otter
Enhydra lutrisAlso known as Northern Sea Otter, Southern Sea Otter, Alaskan Sea Otter
Sea otters float effortlessly on their backs in coastal kelp forests, using their exceptionally dense fur to trap air and stay warm in frigid Pacific waters. These highly social marine mammals gather in groups called rafts and use flat stones as tools to crack open hard-shelled prey on their chests. As keystone species, they play a vital role in marine ecosystems by keeping herbivorous sea urchin populations in check.
MarineKeystone SpeciesMammal
Licensed referenceMarshal Hedin from San Diego / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivore (marine invertebrates)
- family
- Mustelidae
- threats
- Oil spills, shark predation, habitat degradation, infectious disease
- life Span
- 10 to 20 years
EN
Equipped with powerful jaws and sharp claws; maintain a safe distance of at least 50 yards.
Listed as Endangered due to historical overhunting for fur, and they remain highly vulnerable to oil spills and habitat disturbance.
Maintain a distance of at least 50 yards, use binoculars for viewing, and never kayak directly toward resting rafts.- Keep Distance: Maintain a buffer of at least 50 yards to avoid disrupting their resting or grooming behaviors.
- Watch for Rafts: Look for large, floating groups tangled in kelp canopies, especially in calm, protected bays.
- Listen for Sounds: Listen closely for high-pitched squeaks from pups or the distinct clicking of shells being cracked open.