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.