Mammal

sea otter Facts

Enhydra lutris

MammalOmnivore

The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean.

Diet: At the surface, the sea otter eats while floating on its back, using its forepaws to tear food apart and bring it to its mouth.
Lifespan: Up to 27 years (maximum recorded longevity)

sea otter Facts at a Glance

The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean.

It belongs to the family Mustelidae in the order Carnivora. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

What Do sea otters Eat?

sea otters have a omnivore diet that includes At the surface, the sea otter eats while floating on its back, using its forepaws to tear food apart and bring it to its mouth.. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.

sea otter Conservation Status

sea otter is listed here as Endangered. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: Up to 27 years (maximum recorded longevity)
Weight: 23,500 g

Fun facts

It has a period of foraging and eating in the morning, starting about an hour before sunrise, then rests or sleeps in mid-day.
Sea otters spend much of their time grooming, which consists of cleaning the fur, untangling knots, removing loose fur, rubbing the fur to squeeze out water and introduce air, and blowing air into the fur.
To casual observers, it appears as if the animals are scratching, but they are not known to have lice or other parasites in the fur.