ExploreMammals

Sea Otter

Enhydra lutris

Sea otters are playful animals that live in the ocean. They have thick fur to keep them warm and use tools to crack open shells for food!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Sea Otter has dense, dark brown fur, often appearing reddish or lighter on the head and neck. It is a stocky mammal with a short, flat tail and distinctive large, webbed hind feet. Its overall appearance is tailored for life in the water, with a streamlined body and whiskered face.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyMustelidaeGenusEnhydra
Sea Otter
furry trait badgewhiskered trait badgesocial trait badgetool_use trait badge
Sea Otter

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Sea otter moms teach pups to dive by blowing air into their fur so they float!

Their fur is so dense that each hair follicle can hold up to 100 hairs!

They have a special "pocket" under their arm to store their favorite rock tools!

When resting, sea otters wrap themselves in kelp to avoid drifting away!

Special abilities

Ability

Tool Master

Sea Otters can use rocks to crack open shellfish because this helps them access tasty food like clams and mussels.

Ability

Fluffy Warmth

Sea Otters have incredibly dense fur that traps air, keeping them super warm in the cold ocean waters without blubber.

Ability

Floating Feeder

Sea Otters often float on their backs while eating, using their chest as a table to enjoy their hard-earned meals.

Measurements & details

Length
100-150 cm
Weight
14-45 kg
Lifespan
10-23 years
Top Speed
9 km/h
Litter Size
1-2
Gestation
120-270 days

Watch

Diet & Feeding

They feast on shellfish and invertebrates from the ocean floor to stay healthy and strong.

Age differences: Pups nurse for several months, gradually learning to forage from their mothers before becoming independent.

Primary Foods

  • Sea urchins
  • Clams
  • Crabs
  • Abalone
  • Mussels
  • Snails

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Purple sea urchin

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Keeps urchin populations in check.

eats

Red abalone

Haliotis rufescens

A favorite prey item in their diet.

eaten by

Orca

Orcinus orca

One of their main natural predators.

depends on

Giant kelp

Macrocystis pyrifera

Protects kelp forests by eating herbivores.

Traits

Also known as

Enhydra lutrisNorthern Sea OtterSea DogSouthern Sea Otter

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch sea otters from a distance and never try to touch them in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Sea Otter?

100-150 cm

How much does Sea Otter weigh?

14-45 kg

How long does Sea Otter live?

10-23 years

How fast can Sea Otter move?

9 km/h

What does Sea Otter eat?

They feast on shellfish and invertebrates from the ocean floor to stay healthy and strong.

Where is Sea Otter usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Sea Otter hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Sea Otter usually have?

1-2

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Where to spot

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