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1 / 2 Picture of a sea otter Picture of a sea otter VIEW IMAGES A sea otter photographed at Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK A sea otter photographed at Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK

COMMON NAME: Sea Otter

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Enhydra lutris

TYPE: Mammals

DIET: Carnivores

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: Up to 23 years

SIZE: 4 ft

WEIGHT: 65 lbs

SIZE RELATIVE TO A 6-FT MAN:

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: ?Endangered LC NT VU EN CR EW EX LEAST CONCERNEXTINCT CURRENT POPULATION TREND: Decreasing

ABOUT THE SEA OTTER

This aquatic member of the weasel family is found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but, in some locations, comes ashore to sleep or rest. Sea otters have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water.

Floating Behavior

Sea otters often float at the water's surface, lying on their backs in a posture of serene repose. They sleep this way, often gathered in groups. Otters sometimes float in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, in which they entangle themselves to provide anchorage in the swirling sea.