About Sea Otters

What is the sea otter?

Sea otters are the largest of the weasel family and the smallest of the marine mammal. Many people think that sea otters are as large as cats, but in fact they are much larger than people expect. They usually grow up to 4 feet in length and 50 to 100 Lbs in weight. Sea otters have very thick fur, up to 1 million per square inch, which is the densest in the animal kingdom. Unlike other marine mammals they don't have blubber to keep them worm. They rely on the thick fur and high metabolism to survive in the frigid water.

Range and habitat

The sea otter ranges along the North Pacific from Japan, Krill Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska through the West Coast of the North America down to California.
The range is almost identical to the rage of the giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).

giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera)

Sea otters are often observed resting in the canopy of the kelp forests off the Pacific coast. They use the kelp as an anchor to prevent from drifting away while sleeping.

Life

Sea otters are born with special fur which makes the pup very buoyant.