Sea Otter
Enhydra lutris
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Carnivora · Mustelidae
About
The sea otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg (30–100 lb), making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otter's primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the densest in the animal kingdom. Although it can walk on land, the sea otter is capable of living exclusively in the ocean.
Fun Fact
Sea otters have the densest fur of any animal — up to 150,000 hairs per square centimetre — and they use rocks as tools to crack open shellfish, one of the few non-primate tool users.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Kelp forests and coastal waters
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
15-20 years
Threats
- Genetic Bottleneck
- Poaching
- Deforestation
- Habitat Fragmentation