Common Name:
Sea Otter
Scientific Name: Enhydra lutris Type of Animal: Mammal Diet: Carnivore Average Life Span: Up to 23 years Height: Up to 4 feet Weight: 65 pounds
Sea Otters are marine mammals that are a part of the weasel family. Their dark brown, thick fur is water repellent to keep them warm during cold conditions and to prevent their skin from directly getting wet. They are very social, playful animals that aggregate in groups and spend time together. In fact, sea otters are really attentive and caring towards their young. Typically, they eat aquatic creatures such as sea urchins, crabs, mussels, clams, squid, octopuses, and fish. They are actually one of the smallest marine animals in the ocean. Unfortunately, sea otters are a highly endangered species due to fur trade, shark attacks, habitat degradation, oil spills, fishing nets, disease, etc. Today, this species is protected under the Endangered Species Act & Marine Mammal Protection Act.
