Sea Otter

Enhydra lutris

The Sea Otter eats, sleeps, mates, and even gives birth at sea, and can remain underwater for 4 to 5 minutes. When it dives for shellfish, such as mussels or abalone, it also brings up a small rock. It then floats on its back, places the rock on its chest, and cracks the shell against it. The Sea Otter watches for danger by standing in the water and shading its eyes with both forefeet. At night, it wraps strands of kelp (seaweed) about its body to secure its position in the kelp beds where it sleeps.

Look For : A large, dark brown saltwater mammal with a grayish face, short thick tail, and hind feet like flippers.

Length : Body 24-60" long.

Habitat : Shallow ocean waters near shores with seaweed and shellfish.

Range : Along Pacific Coast from Alaska to California.