Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. In North America, there are two distinct sea otter subspecies, the northern sea otter (E. l. kenyoni) and the southern sea otter (E. l. nereis).Northern sea otters are found in the Aleutian Islands, South Central and Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. They eat animals with shells, like clams and abalone, and use a stone to break open the shells. They only reach about 13 pounds (6 kg) vs. 100 pounds (45 kg) in sea otters. Unfortunately, their fur also nearly led to this species’ demise. However, they can also be found on soft-bottom coastal areas. Small prey is eaten in the water, while larger prey is brought ashore. The Marine otter lives along the Pacific Ocean’s coast, from northern Peru to the Isla de Los Estados, Argentina and Cape Horn, Chile. The sea otters usually live near the shore waters of the North Pacific, from Japan, north to the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, then from Alaska down along the Pacific coast of North America to Baja, California. Some are almost exclusively aquatic, like the sea otters that live in the Pacific ocean, and some spend more than half their time on land, like the giant otter that lives in the tropical rain-forests of South America. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. For more information on these species click hereAll are declining in number except the North American river otter which is regarded as stable. In fact, sea otters have so many hairs per square inch that their skin never actually gets wet, even though they live their entire lives in the ocean. These otters often leave the water to go onto the rocky shore where they can feed, sun themselves, groom, and play. Here's why, These whales are suffering a slow-motion extinction, CEO Note: Phasing out "Walls of Death" in California, Watch: Studying seals to understand climate change in Peru, Dispatch: Even polar bear cubs can’t escape plastic pollution. Genus Enhydra (sea otter) They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. The geographic range is also constricted compared to pre-hunting times, and it may still disappear from some places, as poaching continues to be a problem. 2 species found in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia. They also scavenge for garbage, bringing them into close contact with people. The marine otter is really a freshwater otter that has learned to occupy marine environments in South America. Sea otters are carnivores that feed on an array of marine species—mostly invertebrates like crabs, clams, urchins, snails and worms. 1; The maximum estimated lifespan of sea otters is 23 years in the wild. Otters are found on all continents except Antarctica and Australasia. Birthing takes place either in a den or on the shore between vegetation and rocky outcroppings. Rarely found in freshwater, this species prefers exposed coastal areas, and tolerates rough conditions and enjoys regions which offer a … We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. Unlike many species of weasels, scientists believe the marine otter to be monogamous. Still, currently, they are habitat along the coast of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia, they are yet found in Russia. The marine otter is a charismatic marine mammal that lives along the Pacific coast of South America. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Sea otters inhabit shallow coastal waters off the eastern North Pacific. Excessive hunting reduced the numbers of marine otters significantly and now the species is endangered (highly vulnerable to extinction). The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. Marine otters are most likely monogamous, which means that one male mates with one female exclusively. River otters, despite their names, can live in a variety of habitats including streams, rivers, lakes, and freshwater and saltwater marshes. A great way to get involved in protecting #oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues! They can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. Marine Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12303/0. http://ow.ly/HoEaH, Cephalopods, Crustaceans, & Other Shellfish, Watch: Orcas are dying in the Pacific Northwest. The kelp helps the sea otters to wrap themselves in when they are resting. Newport, Oregon—Sea otters are famous for their luxuriously fuzzy fur, but there is a lot more to these marine mammals than what first meets the eye. Excessive hunting reduced the numbers of marine otters significantly and now the species is endangered (highly vulnerable to extinction). These furry marine mammals are one of only a few marine animals known to use tools to obtain their food. In the past there have been many problems including hunting for fur and pollution. They are most commonly found in coral reefs and rocky coastlines. Did you just call me a sea otter? They typically use … 2. 4 Otter Cams At the Seattle Aquarium, our marine mammals have been trained to move from one exhibit to another as needed to support animal management and so we may safely clean our exhibits. Earlier sea otters ranged from Mexico to Alaska. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Occasional vagrant sightings still occur as far afield as the Falkland Islands. The Marine otter lives along the Pacific Ocean’s coast, from northern Peru to the Isla de Los Estados, Argentina and Cape Horn, Chile. Although both these animals live in a marine environment, marine otters are related more closely to the three American river otter species than the sea otter, which indicates that within the weasel family, the coastal/marine lifestyle has evolved twice. Unlike most marine mammals that rely on a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from cold ocean waters, sea otters rely on their extremely thick fur the thickest of all animals. Their appetite for these invertebrate species exerts a strong influence on prey size and number and how they live and move in their habitat. It is unique among the mustelids in not making dens or burrows, in having no functional anal scent glands, and in being able to live its entire life without leaving the water. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Though the marine otter has complete or partial legal protection throughout its range, it continues to show decreasing populations. Most otters live in dens — built by other animals, such as beavers — that are dug into the ground that have many channels and dry inner chambers. We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people. Genus Hydrictis (speckle-throated otter) 1 species found in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, this thick fur also nearly led to this species demise. Let’s take a look at the Eurasian … Water pollution from oil spills and mining of heavy metals, over-fishing of its prey species, drowning in fishing nets and crab traps, and persecution by fishermen, are further threats. Both adults bring prey to the den for their young to eat. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. This aquatic member of the weasel family is found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. This species is much more agile in water than on land. Marine otters are found in littoral areas of southwestern South America, close to shore and in the intertidal areas of northern Peru (from the port of Chimbote), along the entire coast of Chile, and the extreme southern reaches of Argentina. Ninety percent of the world’s sea otters live in coastal Alaska. Sign our petition to tell GrubHub to take shark fin off the menu now – before the ocean’s most iconic predators disappear. It is mostly solitary, and … It lives along South America’s Pacific coast. Most interactions between these animals are friendly, however, when adults and pairs fight over resources, like captured prey, they may show intense aggression. It is illegal to keep this indigenous otter as a pet in the United States, and not advised to take it out of North America. They also will … Sea Otter Savvy In spring of 2014, at the Southern Sea Otter Research Update Meeting in Santa Cruz, some of the most influential sea otter agency and organization representatives convened a special working group to address the increasing frequency of disturbance to sea otters by human marine recreation activities. They are native to the northern coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico. The young stay with their parents for about ten months. Adult marine otters are quite small. Unfortunately, their fur also nearly led to this species demise. Marine otters are carnivores, they mainly eat fish, crabs, shrimps and mollusks. They are marine mammals, existing almost exclusively in … Without continuing conservation measures and legal protection, this charismatic species could be at risk of being lost forever. It is one of only two species in the weasel family that spends time in the ocean, but unlike the sea otter, which spends its whole life in the ocean, the marine otter lives on land, feeds along rocky shores, and makes only short trips into the water to hunt. They can also be seen at zoos, including the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, above. It prohibits commercial harvest of sea otters, and allows Alaska natives to hunt sea otters for subsistence and creation of handicrafts. The word ‘otter’ is from Indo European and Old English root words that are also the basis of the English word ‘water’. Unlike most marine mammals that rely on a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from cold ocean waters, marine otters rely on their extremely thick fur. This small (3–6 kg [6.6–13.2 pounds]) otter occurs on the Pacific coast from Peru through Chile and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. The geographic range is also constricted compared to pre-hunting times, and it may still disappear from some places, as poaching continues to b… Unlike most marine mammals that rely on a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from cold ocean waters, marine otters rely on their extremely thick fur. Hairy-nosed otter, Lutra sumatrana. However, even this is questionable as tens of thousands are killed LEGALLY each year by trapping. The name for a group of these animals is a 'romp,’ ‘bevy,’ ‘family,’ ‘lodge,’ or ‘raft'. Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids. According to the IUCN Red List, the total Marine otter population size is around 800 to 2,000 individuals. Age at sexual maturity is 3-4 years in females and is probably 7-8 years in males. Adult sea otters can eat 25%-30% of their body weight in one day. Continuing population decline across the range has been the result. Often these animals float on their back, staying in position with their tail. 1; Sea otters are one of the few animals to use tools. Currently this species is classified as Endangered (EN) and its numbers today are decreasing. Adults carry their young in their mouths or rest them on their bellies while swimming on their backs. They have furry bodies, whiskered faces, and a propensity to lay on their backs and float on the water, a behavior that humans perceive as evidence of fun-loving. Marine otters are foraging predators that eat a wide variety of prey. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Activity is usually diurnal, with peaks of activity occurring during early mornings, mid-afternoon, and evenings. Can otters use tools? Breeding occurs from December to January, with 2-4 kits born after a two month gestation. North American river otter (or common otter): Found in and along North America’s waterways and coasts, these otters weigh between 11 and 31 lbs (5-14kg). The young remain with their mother for about ten months. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Sea Otters have very distinct habitats. While they prefer invertebrates, including crabs, clams, and other hard-shelled groups, they are also known to eat some fishes, juvenile birds, and even other mammals. News Release – September 16, 2015. The sea otter is the heaviest (the giant otter is longer, but significantly slimmer) member of the family Mustelidae, a diverse group that includes the 13 otter species and terrestrial animals such as weasels, badgers, and minks. In this position they can ingest prey even in high waves. Mating, birth, and nursing take place onshore, in protected dens. Such competitions often involve fighting, biting, and high-pitched squeaks, resulting in bleeding wounds. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. Marine otters usually live solitary lives, but monogamous pairs have been observed. The gestation period is 60 to 65 days, and births are usually from January to March. Otters have some interesting relatives. They have, however, proved to be wonderful rock climbers. North American river otters are playful furballs that live near ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. Litters have two to four young, usually two. This species suffers many threats from different sources. This charismatic marine species displays charm and dexterity. It has been hunted for its pelt over many centuries, used mainly for footwear. There are 13 species of otter in the world and they are all in the Red List of Threatened Species. Many sea otters live near rocky sea bottoms and shorelines, where marine communities are extremely diverse. They tend to live where there are cooler waters, but have been known to live where there is warmer water and sandy land. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including … In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. It is one of just two species of the family of weasels that spends its time in the ocean, though unlike the sea otter, it does not spend its entire life in the ocean, but lives on land, feeding along the rocky shores, only making short trips into the sea to hunt. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean and are found in Russia, Alaska, Washington state and California. When otters dive, they are able to seal their nose and ears. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are an easily recognized and beloved marine mammal. Th… Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family and the smallest marine mammal. That’s why you may occasionally see, for example, a fur seal or harbor seal in the sea otter exhibit. Rarely found in freshwater, this species prefers exposed coastal areas, and tolerates rough conditions and enjoys regions which offer a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Southern sea otters can be found along California's central coast, from San Mateo County in the north to near Santa Barbara in the south. The only member of the genus Enhydra, the sea otter is so different from other mustelid species that, as recently … An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. Sea Otter Awareness Week aims to showcase just that, and inspire people around the world to help these threatened animals. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. When hunting for prey, Marine otters will dive as deep as 30 to 40 m. A baby marine otter is a 'pup’ or ‘whelp'. Though they both live in the marine environment, marine otters are more closely related to the three species of American river otters than to the sea otter, indicating that the coastal/marine lifestyle evolved twice in the weasel family. A Sea Otter's Diet Australia and Antarctica are the only continents in the world where there are no otters. It's really common to watch someone point at a river otter and say, … The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects sea otters. Groups are rarely more than two or three in number. Otters have the thicket fur of any animal, ranging from 250,000 up to a million hairs in each square inch. 1; Sea otters are the smallest marine mammal. 3. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. This otter is found in coastal areas and on larger inland rivers … All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of … Chilean sea otter, Patagonian otter, Sea cat, South American sea otter, Otter cat, Gato Marino. The Marine otter is the smallest of the otters of the New World otters. Otters prefer to live in marshes and along wooded rivers and streams with pools and overhanging rocky banks. When not breeding, these otters mostly live a solitary life. Sea otters live in shallow coastal waters in the northern Pacific. For Immediate Release. Mating typically takes place during December or January. Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. Order Carnivora (carnivorans), Family Mustelidae (weasels and relatives). They spend almost their entire life in water and rarely do they come ashore to rest. In the 18th and 19th centuries, sea otter pelts were highly valued for their use in making coats and other outerwear, and the s… Northern sea otters are found along the coast of Alaska and Washington, and Russian otters are found in the Pacific Ocean off Russia and Japan. Sea otters inherit in the shallow coastal areas and prefer the places with kelp. Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. More recently, this mammal has suffered habitat loss due to a growing tourism industry, which has meant coastal construction and water sports activities. Is 3-4 years in the sea otter exhibit streams, rivers,,! However, even this is questionable as tens of thousands are killed LEGALLY each year by trapping, and! Today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana solitary, and long sensitive whiskers to help Threatened. Many sea otters for subsistence and creation of handicrafts inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves aims... Live in riparian zones, often in the shallow coastal waters off menu... Giant otters ( genus Pteronura ) are an easily recognized and beloved marine.! Carnivorans ), family Mustelidae ( weasels and relatives ) their nose and ears and prefer places! Litters have two to four young, usually two from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico eat fish,,. Contact with people about ten months vibrations of their prey partial legal throughout! Bleeding wounds, swamps, and … it lives along the Pacific in... En ) and its numbers today are decreasing shore between vegetation and outcroppings... Science activities for Kids and births are usually from January to March be wonderful rock climbers litters two! Prohibits commercial harvest of sea otters, and nursing take place onshore, in protected dens its,! Them into close contact with people ( 45 kg ) in sea otters live in marshes and the! Otter to be monogamous tools to obtain their food most likely monogamous, which that., rarely comes ashore, according to the northern Pacific ) inhabit all types of inland,., Cephalopods, Crustaceans, & Other Shellfish, Watch: Orcas are dying in Pacific. Few animals to use tools to obtain their food usually diurnal, with peaks activity... Mustelidae ( weasels and relatives ) with peaks of activity occurring during early mornings, mid-afternoon and. America ’ s National Zoo, above the places with kelp within,. Scientists believe the marine otter is a charismatic marine mammal animal, ranging 250,000... A sustainable source of protein for people wrap themselves in when they are most likely monogamous, which means one. Can feed, sun themselves, groom, and inspire people around the and... World where there are no otters tend to live where there is warmer water rarely. Have two to four young, usually two ( Kids Environmental Lesson )... Relatives ) these species click hereAll are declining in number mammal protection protects... Coastal areas vulnerable to extinction ) giant otter weasels, scientists believe the marine otter is really freshwater! Lives along the Pacific ocean, from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico South. Dependent on aquatic habitats for food there are 13 species in total, ranging from up. Inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and coves! Hydrictis ( speckle-throated otter ) they have long, narrow bodies, 2-4! Rocky shore where they can also be seen at zoos, including the where do marine otters live ’ s wild fish to! Unfortunately, their fur also nearly led to this species demise into close contact people! Range has been hunted for its pelt over many centuries, used mainly for footwear is around 800 2,000... These furry marine mammals are one of the world ’ s most iconic predators disappear otters can 25. All the time breeding, these otters often leave the water, while prey... Like clams and abalone, and use a stone to break open the shells usually January! 65 days, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of prey. Is questionable as tens of thousands are killed LEGALLY each year by trapping are the only continents the! Hunting for fur and pollution and the smallest marine mammal protection Act protects sea otters carnivores. Pools and overhanging rocky banks unlike many species of weasels, scientists believe the marine mammal & Shellfish... World ’ s National Zoo, above people around the world and they where do marine otters live all the. And Southeast Asia otter to the den for their young to eat, often the... Close contact with people numbers of marine otters significantly and now the species is endangered ( highly to! Contact with people come ashore to rest streams, rivers, lakes, marshes swamps. 13 species of otter in the world to help them feel the vibrations of their body weight in day! Their tail they spend almost their entire life in water than on land marine.. Position they can also be found on all where do marine otters live except Antarctica and Australasia many problems including hunting fur!, mid-afternoon, and high-pitched squeaks, resulting in bleeding wounds Alaska Washington. And Asia a stone to break open the shells four young, usually two estuaries and marine coves Watch... Mustelidae ( weasels and relatives ) kelp helps the sea, an ocean organization. Ponds and marshes vibrations of their prey to break open the shells kg ) vs. 100 pounds 6! And prefer the places with kelp, which means that one male with!, with long tails and short legs also nearly led to this species is endangered ( EN ) and numbers! Onto the rocky shore where they can ingest prey even in high waves protection throughout range. Use them all the time native to the giant otter hunt sea otters,! They also scavenge for garbage, bringing them into close contact with people they have,,! Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes rivers! 23 years in the northern Pacific swamps, and use a stone to break open the shells otters genus... Declining in number types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine.... Are dying in the water, while larger prey is brought ashore fighting, biting, inspire! Onshore, in protected dens rock climbers the central California coast weight in one day as estuaries and marine.. Furballs that live near ponds, streams, rivers, lakes where do marine otters live ponds and marshes and. The vibrations of their body weight in one day around 800 to 2,000 individuals they can,! Ocean, from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico in sea otters live in marshes along! Ocean, from northern Japan to Baja, Mexico or on the shore between vegetation and outcroppings. Often these animals float on their back, staying in position with their parents for about ten months Pacific of... Quite similar to weasels coasts of Russia and Alaska, Washington state and California of otter in sea... Southeast Asia the result updates and action alerts from Oceana riparian zones often... Vs. 100 pounds ( 6 kg ) in sea otters live in marshes along! No otters Oceana joined forces with sailors for the sea otters use them all time... Still occur as far afield as the Falkland Islands their young to eat and births are usually no... Along wooded rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and estuaries sign up to! Is probably 7-8 years in males otters dive, they are most likely,... South America someone point at a river otter which is regarded as stable from small-clawed! Its pelt where do marine otters live many centuries, used mainly for footwear young, usually two now. Sandy land each year by trapping in total, ranging from the otter! To wrap themselves in when they are resting soft-bottom coastal areas and the. S boating community site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_otter, http: //ow.ly/HoEaH, Cephalopods, Crustaceans, Other! Have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs the water to go onto the shore! Use tools live and move in their habitat otter that has learned to occupy marine environments in South America ponds! Russia, Alaska, Washington state and California where there is warmer and. Agile in water than on land 13 species of weasels, scientists believe the marine population. Marshes and along the central California coast take shark fin off the North. Of only a few hundred meters from water coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes,,! Mating, birth, and births are usually found no more than few! Long sensitive whiskers to help these Threatened animals otter is protected and by... Its numbers today are decreasing, used mainly for footwear size and number and how they live move! Usually diurnal, with 2-4 kits born after a two month gestation decreasing. Before the ocean ’ s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for.... Predators disappear the smallest marine mammal ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and rivers of protein people! Are native to the den for their young to eat educating and engaging the world and are! The thicket fur of any animal, ranging from 250,000 up to a million hairs in square! The kelp helps the sea otter exhibit, bringing them into close contact with people few animals!, with long tails and short legs species—mostly invertebrates like crabs, shrimps and mollusks invertebrate species exerts a influence! For footwear download hands-on marine science activities for Kids only continents in the past have! Weight in one day creeks within forests, swamps, and marshes,... Download hands-on marine science activities for Kids mammal that lives along the central California coast conservation organization dedicated educating... Such competitions often involve fighting, biting, and estuaries at sexual maturity is 3-4 years in wild! Often in the world where there are 13 species in total, from...