Sea otter facts, history, useful information and amazing pictures. Incredibly this is fulfilled by drinking sea water. The angling trust, environment agency, natural england and others are working together to. The otter does not go through stages to become an otter like some animals, for example a frog. The recovery of otters in the uk is impacting inland fisheries through predation.
It has short tail and webbedfeet with retractable front claws. Sea otter crafts and learning activities for children. California sea otters are listed as threatened under the endangered species act. It is also known to break open shells by hitting them against a rock that it balances on its stomach.
Otters are born otters but grow and develop into bigger otters. Whilst most of a sea otters water demand can be satisfied from the food it consumes they still need to drink some water. Sea otter family programs fun for the young and the youngatheart at 10. Columbia the sea otter and the more widespread river otter. The sea otter has to eat around 20 per cent of its body weight everyday and the european otter around 15 per cent. The sea otter enhydra lutris is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern north pacific ocean. The sea otters diet includes fish, crabs, molluscs, and sea urchins, and it has very strong teeth for crushing their shells. Despite the fact that sea otters are the largest members of the weasel family, sea otters are among the smallest mammals in the marine world the sea otter is known to have one of the thickest, warmest coats of fur in the animal kingdom which helps to keep the sea otter warm in the. Sea otters live alone and only tolerate each other when mating. Sea otters were presumed extinct in california after the fur trade years, but were rediscovered in the 1930s, when about 50 animals were documented persisting near bixby creek north of big sur. Sea otters are mammals that spend most of their lives in the ocean. Luna the sea otter was rescued from the rocky shores of central california, where she was found alone, cold, and hungry. Sea otters are members of the weasel family mustelidae.
All these parts working together make the sea otter one furry fantastic creature. Jan 21, 2020 on an upswing, however, is the california sea otter. Whether on its back or its front, the endangered sea otter is a proficient swimmer, and a classic family attraction in aquariums and in the wild alike. An endangered species, the adult sea otter is the smallest of the marine mammals. This prevents an individual from drifting off whilst they doze. They are the only mammals other than primates, and a few other animals, including birds, known to use tools. Sea otter fur comprises 100,000 hairs per 1 sq cm 0. A male will defend his territory, but fights are unusual, since most disputes are settled by splashing and vocal contests. The sea otter is the only species of otter that spends almost its whole life at sea, even though it rarely travels further than 1km 0. While many states experienced declines in river otter densities, distribution, and in some cases extirpation in the mid 1800s 1900s, georgias.
They use small rocks or other objects to pry shellfish. Otter facts for kids otter information dk find out. For students interested in pursuing a career with sea otters, there is a special link explaining the different career options, with interviews with professionals in the field. Otters are funny and lovely animals with great intelligence. Sea otter facts for kids sea otter fun facts and information. Sea otters have the thickest fur of any marine mammal, averaging 850,000 to 1,000,000 hairs per square inch. The sea otter enhydra lutris is our smallest marine mammal, but is one of the largest of the worlds otter species. However, this high metabolism requires them to eat a lot of food. Their home is the coastal ocean, a zone where the land meets the sea. The usgs rangewide sea otter census has been undertaken twice a year since 1982, once in may and once in october, using consistent methodology involving both groundbased and aerialbased counts. Jun 26, 2019 sea otters are a keystone species and play a critical role in the food web of the kelp forest, so much so that even terrestrial species are influenced by sea otter activity.
The otter project protects our watersheds and coastal oceans for the benefit of california sea otters and humans through sciencebased policy and advocacy. This is due to all the air trapped in its fur, and also to its large lung capacity, two and a half times greater than other animals its size. Sep 29, 2017 the sea otter survey and stranding programs are just one part of a larger research program investigating sea otters and their role as predators in coastal ecosystems. The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but, in some locations, comes ashore to sleep or rest. Sea otters are the largest mousepad support for wireless mouse optical mouse durable office accessory and gift image tagged in excited otter 14 surprising facts about sea otters. As well as using their dexterity to hunt, forage and use tools sea otters also use their paws to hold hands whilst asleep. Sea otter article about sea otter by the free dictionary. Sea otters were once hunted extensively for their dense pelts. The sea otter is one of the smallest marine mammal species, but it is the heaviest mustelid. Unlike most sea mammals, the sea otter does not have a layer of fat under its skin to keep it warm. Sea otters are the largest mousepad support for wireless mouse optical mouse durable office accessory and gift image tagged. Jun 18, 2016 the sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the san diego zoo. The sea otter enhydra lutris is the smallest marine mammal in north america, and occupies the chilly coastal seas of the central and northern pacific ocean. Usually, a single baby called a pup is produced following 4 to 5 months of pregnancy.
Paper lunch bags 4 78 x 3 x 10 mini kraft paper bags. Sea otter is the heaviest and the second smallest aquatic member of weasel family. The asian small clawed otter is the smallest otter species and the giant otter and sea otter are the largest. The life expectancy of a wild california sea otter is estimated at 12 to 16 years. Dow sea otter fact sheet 2011 defenders of wildlife.
Often called the ancient otter of the pliocene epoch, the enhydra reevei was found in the gelasian marine horizon in the norwich crag formation of the united kingdom. When this practice was discontinued in the mid 20th century, the southern population of sea otters made a wonderful recovery from near extinction. I added a otters in popular culture to try to help remove the cultural references from this article. In our most recent assessment of sea otter recovery, which incorporated results from a subset of studies through 2009, we concluded that recovery of sea otters in wpws was underway. Sea otters are carnivores in the family mustelidaea group of animals that also includes terrestrial and semiaquatic forms such as weasels, badgers, skunks, fishers, minks, and river otters. This helps them make tight turns underwater as they chase after prey. Its a member of the weasel family, and the only marine mammal that doesnt have blubber to keep it warm. In elkhorn slough, located between santa cruz and monterey, a recent study suggests that sea otters appetite for crabs can improve the health of seagrass beds. Mar 07, 2020 the usgs rangewide sea otter census has been undertaken twice a year since 1982, once in may and once in october, using consistent methodology involving both groundbased and aerialbased counts. On an upswing, however, is the california sea otter. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg 31 and 99 lb, making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. River otter fact sheet wildlife resources division. Unlike other marine mammals, the sea otter does not have a layer of blubber fat to help keep it warm. Sea otters are unique in the otter family as the only species to give birth in the water.
In collaboration with the monterey bay aquarium, monterey bay national marine sanctuary among others, offers an unprecedented look into the extraordinary life and world of this endearing. Suzi eszterhas a weeksold pup undergoes treatment at the monterey bay aquarium, which returns recovered. An otters daily business of eating, resting, and more eating can bring it close to shore, much to the delight of coastal sightseers. Hunting for food is one of the most important daily activities for the sea otter. These mammals spent most of their time in the water, and can swim fast in it. Lets find out about the description, size, lifespan, habitat and much more in sea otter facts for kids. Physiology sea otters have small front legs and stiff toes for handling food, while strong back legs with webbed feet allow for graceful paddling through the water. After preparation, sea otters eat their food on the surface of the water, typically on their backs. Reported in 2016, the california sea otter population reach 3,272 otters, the highest number since 1982 and an 11% increase since 20. Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otters primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the. The common river otters of eurasia and the americas are species of the genus lutra. Male sea otters usually weigh 22 to 45 kg 49 to 99 lb and are 1.
Most have sharp claws on their feet except for the sea otter that have long, muscular tails. Shop sea otter on wanelo the first sea otter was discovered by georg steller in 1751 urdesigner personalized na, usa, alaska. Sea otter survey encouraging, but comes up short of the. Sea otter facts, history, useful information and amazing. Sea otters have several adaptations that allow them to live in a marine environment. Two separate populations of sea otters live in north america. Researchers surveyed sea otter populations along the mainland coast, from pigeon point in the north to gaviota state park in the south, and also the distinct population at san nicolas island in the southern california bight. Oceandwelling sea otters are less stocky than their riverine otter counterparts. When sea otter populations are healthy, urchin populations are kept in check, and kelp is abundant. But instead, i held back and listened to the conversation, thinking back to ten years ago or so when i first saw river otters in. The sea otter is born an otter and grows just like we do. It was then that the explainer in me wanted to jump in and say, actually, no.
The sea otter is the only nonprimate mammal to display tool use. Sea otter facts for kids sea otter habitat dk find out. River otters frequent rivers and lakes, but are also common in saltwater along the entire british columbia coast. Sea otters have the thickest fur in the animal kingdom, ranging from 250,000 to a million hairs per square inch, which insulates them and maintains warmth. The sea otter is a small marine mammal native to the north and eastern coasts of the pacific ocean. Powered by create your own unique website with customizable templates. Here are some interesting sea otter related facts for you. Most live on shorelines of freshwater rivers and lakes, but a few hunt along seaside coasts.
The river otter lutra canadensis is a member of the mustelidae or weasel family. Sea otters rely on their high metabolism and their plush coat to keep warm. They look extremely graceful in the water, whereas, on land, they appear slow and clumsy. Playful california sea otters inhabit a place of overlapping worlds. Reviewed in the united states on september 2, 2019. Despite the fact that sea otters are the largest members of the weasel family, sea otters are among the smallest mammals in the marine world. Adult sea otters can eat 25% 30% of their body weight in one day. It is an amphibious member of this family as are the mink and sea otter. In order to maintain its body weight, a sea otter must eat 25% of its body weight per day. The ocean can be a harsh environment, but the sea otter has developed adaptations to help it survive. Learn about the role sea otters play in coastal ecosystems at the life in the kelp forest program at 12. The sea otter is the only marine mammal to catch fish using its paws not its mouth.
Sea otters are the only fully aquatic form of otters, but they share features with the others such as thick fur and short ears. Children read about sea otters and then make sea otter puppets and pretend play with sea otter food. The spring census is considered more accurate than the fall count, and provides the primary basis for gauging population trends by state and federal. Northern sea otter species profile, alaska department of. Since she was rescued, luna has received swimming lessons, treats, and plenty of tlc from her loving. Like weasels, otters have short legs and long flexible bodies. The sea otters teeth are ideal for crushing and grinding, but for prey that are more difficult to crack open, sea otters have been observed to use rocks as tools. Mar 24, 2012 playful california sea otters inhabit a place of overlapping worlds. The situation is complex, and it is not clear why some waters have not been affected, even though otters are present. The sea otter can hold its breath up to five minutes underwater. My paleontological partner and i decided to set out and find the transitional fossil between enhydra reevei and enhydra lutris, which would explain the genetic and geographical gap between to the two animals. Mothers will continue to float on their backs, nurse their young and teach them to swim and hunt. Sep 15, 2019 daily sea otter feeds and enrichment sessions at the sea otter habitat throughout the day. Pdf 20 update on sea otter studies to assess recovery.
Sea otters are a keystone species and play a critical role in the food web of the kelp forest, so much so that even terrestrial species are influenced by sea otter activity. The sea otter is only found in salt water, where it prefers to eat invertebrates such as shellfish. Sea otters are considered a keystone species of rocky subtidal ecosystems because they prey on sea urchins that, if left unchecked. The sea otter s brown to black fur is the finest and densest of any animal fur.
For students interested in pursuing a career with sea otters, there is a special link explaining the different. Daily sea otter feeds and enrichment sessions at the sea otter habitat throughout the day. Its hind feet are webbed and flat so they work more like flippers. The sea otters diet includes fish, crabs, molluscs, and sea urchins, and it has very strong teeth for crushing their. Instead the sea otter relies on its thick fur to keep its body temperature around 100 degrees.
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