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Sea OtterEnhydra lutris 
HabitatFound along the northern shores of the Pacific ocean.
DescriptionOf sturdy build, it reaches a length of 1 to 1.2 m. They feed mainly on molluscs and sea urchins, which they crush with their large, blunt teeth. Sea otters also regularly use rocks as tools to open shellfish while swimming on their backs. The sea otter is the only marine mammal lacking an insulating layer of blubber, which serves to protect the animal from the frigid ocean waters. To compensate for this lack of blubber, the sea otter must constantly groom its fur, keeping it meticulously clean and allowing an insulating layer of air to be trapped against the skin. When contaminated by oil, sea otters lose the ability to protect themselves against cold ocean waters, because the oil mats the fur, preventing the insulating air space from forming. In addition, the sea otter ingests the oil as it cleans its fur, usually causing illness and death.
Threats ToOriginally hunted for its excellent fur, presently suffering due to sea pollution, especially oil spills. |
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