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Sea Otter

seaotter

Estimated population: 150,000 in Alaska, 2,000 in California, 9,000 Aleutian Islands-threatened (ESA) Aleutian Otters (endangered)
Protected under Marine Mammal Act

Biology

Sea otters inhabit the coastal waters of the Northern Pacific, along Siberia, California and Alaska. Approximately 90% of the Sea Otter population is found in Alaska.

The largest member of the weasel family, they measure about 4 feet in length and typically weigh anywhere from 45-100 pounds. Average life span is 15-20 years.

Lacking a layer of blubber like most other marine mammals, the sea otter has the thickest fur of all animals in the world. This fur and a very high metabolism help it to stay warm.

Sea otters use small rocks or shellfish to pry open their food, such as sea urchins, abalone, mussels, crabs etc., making them one of the only animals known to use tools.

Threats

Between 1740-1900, fur hunters almost caused the extinction of the sea otter. In the Aleutian Islands, they finally received protection from a 1911 international treaty. However, recently sea otter populations have begun declining again in this region.

Sea otters are particularly threatened by oil spills. Without a layer of blubber, oil coats the fur of the otter and exposes it to the cold.

Other threats include habitat loss, entanglement in plastic and fishing nets, and competition and conflict with fisherman.

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