where do marine otters live

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. 2 species found in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia. Mating, birth, and nursing take place onshore, in protected dens. Their appetite for these invertebrate species exerts a strong influence on prey size and number and how they live and move in their habitat. Rarely found in freshwater, this species prefers exposed coastal areas, and tolerates rough conditions and enjoys regions which offer a … 1; The maximum estimated lifespan of sea otters is 23 years in the wild. Sea Otter Awareness Week aims to showcase just that, and inspire people around the world to help these threatened animals. Let’s take a look at the Eurasian … This aquatic member of the weasel family is found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. 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. For more information on these species click hereAll are declining in number except the North American river otter which is regarded as stable. Sign our petition to tell GrubHub to take shark fin off the menu now – before the ocean’s most iconic predators disappear. 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. 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. We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done. 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. Adult sea otters can eat 25%-30% of their body weight in one day. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. 1; Sea otters are one of the few animals to use tools. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean and are found in Russia, Alaska, Washington state and California. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are an easily recognized and beloved marine mammal. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. 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. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. Litters have two to four young, usually two. Small prey is eaten in the water, while larger prey is brought ashore. In this position they can ingest prey even in high waves. Sea otters inherit in the shallow coastal areas and prefer the places with kelp. Most interactions between these animals are friendly, however, when adults and pairs fight over resources, like captured prey, they may show intense aggression. 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. These otters often leave the water to go onto the rocky shore where they can feed, sun themselves, groom, and play. 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. Genus Enhydra (sea otter) The Marine otter is the smallest of the otters of the New World otters. Chilean sea otter, Patagonian otter, Sea cat, South American sea otter, Otter cat, Gato Marino. Many sea otters live near rocky sea bottoms and shorelines, where marine communities are extremely diverse. Excessive hunting reduced the numbers of marine otters significantly and now the species is endangered (highly vulnerable to extinction). Sea otters inhabit shallow coastal waters off the eastern North Pacific. They spend almost their entire life in water and rarely do they come ashore to rest. The Marine otter lives along the Pacific Ocean’s coast, from northern Peru to the Isla de Los Estados, Argentina and Cape Horn, Chile. Marine otters are most likely monogamous, which means that one male mates with one female exclusively. We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people. 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. Sea otters are carnivores that feed on an array of marine species—mostly invertebrates like crabs, clams, urchins, snails and worms. They are most commonly found in coral reefs and rocky coastlines. The young stay with their parents for about ten months. Continuing population decline across the range has been the result. Activity is usually diurnal, with peaks of activity occurring during early mornings, mid-afternoon, and evenings. 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. They are marine mammals, existing almost exclusively in … It lives along South America’s Pacific coast. Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. More recently, this mammal has suffered habitat loss due to a growing tourism industry, which has meant coastal construction and water sports activities. 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. Th… They tend to live where there are cooler waters, but have been known to live where there is warmer water and sandy land. 2. The marine otter is really a freshwater otter that has learned to occupy marine environments in South America. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). 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. However, even this is questionable as tens of thousands are killed LEGALLY each year by trapping. Adult marine otters are quite small. News Release – September 16, 2015. Birthing takes place either in a den or on the shore between vegetation and rocky outcroppings. Can otters use tools? Age at sexual maturity is 3-4 years in females and is probably 7-8 years in males. 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. The word ‘otter’ is from Indo European and Old English root words that are also the basis of the English word ‘water’. This otter is found in coastal areas and on larger inland rivers … They also scavenge for garbage, bringing them into close contact with people. A Sea Otter's Diet 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. A great way to get involved in protecting #oceans: Join Oceana as a Wavemaker & sound off on important issues! Mating typically takes place during December or January. Marine otters are foraging predators that eat a wide variety of prey. Marine otters usually live solitary lives, but monogamous pairs have been observed. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. 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. 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