SurfCam.ca

The sea otter typically weighs between 30 to 100 lb making it the heaviest members of the weasel family,
but is among the smallest marine mammals. Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otter does not have
blubber, and so relies on its thick fur for warmth (the densest fur in the animal kingdom- With up to 150
thousand strands of hair per square centimetre). The sea otter can walk on land, however, prefers to
spend its time in the ocean.

The sea otter's habitat is near shore, where it can dive to the ocean floor to find food.. It preys mostly
upon marine invertebrates. Such prey includes sea urchins some species of fish, as well as molluscs
and crustaceans. The sea otter is one of few mammals to use tools to forage its food. For example, the
sea otter will use small rocks to dislodge shellfish and open them. Due to its diet and consumption of
sea urchins (which deplete kelp forests on mass scales), the sea otter plays an important role in the
ocean's ecosystem.

The number of sea otters was once estimated at 150,000-300,000. They were hunted extensively for their
fur between the 1740's and the early 1900's. The world population then fell to 1,000-2,000 individuals in a
small area of their original historic range. An international ban on hunting, as well as reintroduction
programs into previously populated areas, have contributed to numbers rebounding. The species now
occupies about two-thirds of its former range. This animal is still considered an endangered species, as
conservation efforts are still being made, and the mammal is especially sensitive to oil spills in the
ocean.

The coloration of the sea otter is usually deep brown with silver-gray speckles, however it can range from
yellowish or greyish brown to almost black. In adults, the head, throat, and chest are lighter in color than
the rest of the body.

The sea otter displays numerous adaptations to its marine environment. The nostrils and small ears can
close. The hind feet, which provide most of its propulsion in swimming, are long, broadly flattened, and
fully webbed.

When at the surface, the sea otter usually floats on its back and moves by sculling its feet and tail from
side to side. Long, highly sensitive whiskers help the sea otter find prey by touch when waters are dark.

Sea otters are polygamous, and the mating takes place in the water. Births occur year-round, with peaks
between May and June. Gestation has been recorded between 4-12 months. Birth usually takes place in
the water and typically produces a single pup weighing 3 to 5 lb. In the wild, sea otters live to a maximum
age of 23 years, with average life spans of 10-15 years for males and 15-20 years for females.