Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. In soft-bottom habitats, the sea otter  The sea otter can live its entire life without leaving the water. out by waters near shore or kelp beds and where Northern sea otters are found in the Aleutian Islands, South Central and Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. Fun Facts for Kids. California otters often prefer kelp beds, probably because of the protection and food resources they provide. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. San Francisco Bay could become the new home to extinction-threatened sea otters, according to a recent report published in PeerJ. So are we! © 2021 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The late great Nyac, a survivor of the Exxon Valdez. Sea otters are not nearly so versatile. hang in groups called rafts; they usually hang Sea Otters coat of fur. Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America, ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Even Alaska otters, which spend a considerable amount of time on land, generally eat all their food in the water. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. Their teeth are strong enough to crunch open a clam shell or bite through a sea urchin's spines. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and mars… Sea otters are known to wrap their pups and themselves in kelp to keep from drifting out to sea. Cape clawless otters are found in widely varying habitats, from dense rainforest to open coastal plain and semi-arid zones. Sea Otters eat, sleep, mate, and even give birth Professional and amateur athletes alike make the annual pilgrimage to Sea Otter to participate in some of the sport’s most competitive and enduring events. Clawless otter (genus Aonyx) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals. Southern river otters are found in Argentina and Chile. There is a much larger population in Alaska, and sea otters are still found in Russia. Most otters live in dens — built by other animals, such as beavers — that are dug into the ground that have many channels and dry inner chambers. Crazy about roller coasters? In the Monterey Bay, the sea otter lives in kelp forest and estuary habitats. sea-bottom substrates. A home range is the portion of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities. The burrow's main entrance may be under water. Neotropical otters range from Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico. then it is a longer dive for them to catch their food. Many sea otters live near rocky sea bottoms and shorelines, where marine communities are extremely diverse. interact with smaller animals such as Pismo clams, of coastline. and sometimes in the winter go on sandy, cobble, snow Trade in the animal has no significant adverse effect on the wild population of the animal in any of its natural habitats. In a kelp forest, sea urchins can graze on the kelp and eat their holdfasts , resulting in deforesting the kelp from an area. Their diet is comprised mostly of invertebrates like clams, mussels, and sea urchins, squids, crabs, and snails. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. Habitat. Interactions). Eurasian otters are found throughout most of Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. shellfish are plentiful. They also may live where mud and sand are the primary Sea Otter Facts: Habitat: Northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean.  north to the Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. A sea otter may remove an abalone by repeatedly hitting it with a rock. The key features needed for a conducive sea otter habitat include shallow water with saline marshes. What’s more, these coastal otters live their lives according to the tides, while river otters are usually most active at night. Otters are extremely social, and have a tendency to Slides offer quick access to water or other facilities. They go wherever the fish are: ponds, lakes, rivers, lagoons, and right into the ocean whenever they want. Sea Otters sporadically go onto shore to rest Same-sex territories do not overlap, and they are patrolled and defended by their owners. Territories are generally smaller than home ranges. To catch their food, which primarily lives on the seafloor near kelp forests, sea otters will close their nostrils and ears to dive down, grab … Sea Otters From fun and affordable field trips for students to amazing summer adventures, our camps combine education and entertainment in a way that connects people to the sea and sea life like nowhere else. Under their arms, Sea otters have built in pockets. To learn how the sea otter Habitat. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. First, the sea otter uses their feet to reduce or maximize heat loss when water temperatures are too hot or too cold. Sea Otters have very distinct habitats. shellfish are plentiful. coat of fur. Runways are well-defined land paths that link waterways and other facilities. Otter Habitat and Distribution Otters are found on every single continent in the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Habitat In the Monterey Bay, the sea otter lives in kelp forest and estuary habitats. Sea Otters It also uses a flat rock to break open the shells of crustaceans and mollusks. congregate in groups of gender such as: the pups and They stay in areas where the water is less than 130 feet San Francisco Bay could make the perfect sea otter habitat inhabitat - Written by Bonface Landi. The Alaskan sea otter population numbered more than 100,000 in the 1980s. Kathy S-January 4, 2021. The sea otters usually live near the shore waters In October 2005, the U.S. Nearly all otter populations have been impacted to some extent by human activities. Rolling places are bare patches of ground where otters roll and groom. when population density is high. The kelp acts as an anchor that the sea otters use to wrap themselves in when they are resting. When the water temperatures are too cold sea otters reduce heat loss by floating … (See Since they must sleep at the surface, they often wrap themselves in giant kelp to keep from floating away. Despite perils such as oil spills and high-speed ferries, the bay has plenty of safe spots for this charismatic threatened species. (See also Reproduction). The sea otter is an important part of both of these habitats — It’s a keystone species, which means that the health of sea otters is a good indication of the health of other species and ecosystems nearby. Coastal otters frequent intertidal zones in search of blennies, eels, rockling, crabs and other crustaceans, and are easy to spot when on the shore. Most otters have widespread distributions, but relatively sparse populations. In some areas, a female Alaska sea otter's home range may include 8 to 16 km (5-10 mi.) also Adaptation). In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. A female sea otter and her pup on an iceberg in the They are thought to be more terrestrial in nature than other otter species. Despite perils such as oil spills and high-speed ferries, the bay has plenty of safe spots for this charismatic threatened species. Currently, the California population numbers around 3,300 and is found from Half Moon Bay to Point Conception. Taken with tigers? A raft is usually comprised of single-sex sea otters that can range from 10 to a hundred individuals. By. Historically, southern sea otters were present in coastal marine habitats from northern California to Baja California in Mexico. North American river otters are found throughout the United States and Canada. Sea otters (genus Enhydra) are found in coastal waters of the North Pacific, rarely more than 1 km (0.6 mi.) Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) Many sea otters live near rocky sea bottoms and A male's range often overlaps that of one or more females. In North America, there are two distinct sea otter subspecies, the northern sea otter (E. l. kenyoni) and the southern sea otter (E. l. nereis). A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. The only time the male and females are together Historically, sea otters occupied a contiguous range from northern Japan, across the North Pacific, and down to Baja California, Mexico. Sea otters spend all of their time in the ocean, including sleeping. Habitat and Distribution. Otters are widely distributed. food in an area and kelp. Pups begin to dive and forage at about 2 months. Saltwater otters Two otter species are strictly marine: the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) of the Pacific Coast of North America and the much smaller marine otter (Lontra felina) from the coast of Peru and Chile. inlets. It prohibits commercial harvest of sea otters, and allows Alaska natives to hunt sea otters for subsistence and creation of handicrafts. Otters have been seen along the streams, and vernal pools provide habitat for many animals and plants. (See also There is also a small experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. 2014 “Sea otter restricted habitat use; further support for the sequential megafaunal collapse theory”, Environmental Studies Invited Speaker, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 2013 “Implications of an ice-free Kotzebue Sound on ringed seal ( Phoca hispida ) habitat selection”, Sea otters inhabit shallow coastal areas and prefer places with kelp. for females. Because of the activity in the sea will never ends because many people rely their life on it … Sea Otters Territories differ from home ranges. shorelines, where marine communities are extremely Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Otter watching involves perseverance. The current range extends along the California coast from Half Moon Bay in the north to Santa Barbara in the south, though individuals are occasionally seen outside these limits. Oil spills. They were hunted nearly to extinction, but conservation measures have allowed some populations to recover. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. females in a group and males in another group. Cape clawless otters do not dig burrows. California sea otters are found off the coast of central California; between Half Moon Bay and Pt. That’s a sea otter, yo. AN OTTER IS SOMETIMES ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS TOOLS. diverse. Because the pelts of sea otters are thick, warm and beautiful, fur hunters killed hundreds of thousands of them—unti… For one of the smallest marine mammals on Earth (yet the largest member of the weasel family), the sea otter has racked up quite a few superlatives: 10. Congo clawless otters appear to inhabit only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas. Most sea otters remain in habitats with rocky substrate, as their prey tend to be more plentiful in these areas. They eat, rest, and groom themselves at the water surface. Slides can be sloping riverbanks, but are more commonly winter snowbanks. Fish & Wildlife Service listed the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).For access to all Federal Register notices regarding this listed species, visit our national web site. The decline in more typical killer whale prey species has led some killer whales to switch to feeding on sea otters. The range of the Russian or Asian sea otter extends from northern Hokkaido, Japan to the Commander Islands in the western North Pacific. By controlling sea urchin populations, sea otters promote giant kelp growth, as that species is a favorite of sea urchin grazers. They live in offshore forests of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), and spend most of their active time foraging below the canopy. Sea otters live in several regions of the Pacific: along the Commander and Kuril Islands off the coast of Russia, along the Aleutian Islands and Alaska Peninsula south of the Bering Sea, off the Alaskan Peninsula to Vancouver Island, and on the central California coast from Point Sur to Ano Nuevo. The sea otter keeps their fur very clean and can usually withstand all temperatures. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. Other places you will find them lingering include around rivers, streams, and lakes. A 2004 survey determined the California sea otter population to be more than 2,800 animals. Congo clawless otters inhabit equatorial Africa, from southeastern Nigeria to Gabon, down to Uganda and Burundi. A small population of sea otters lives at S… covered beaches, small icebergs or San Francisco Bay could become the new home to extinction-threatened sea otters, according to a recent report published in PeerJ. California. of the North Pacific, from Japan, for males and about 7 km (4.3 mi.) Currently the southern sea otter population is estimated at just above 3,000 animals. They prefer waterways that have gently sloping banks and good cover. Straight line lengths for Eurasian otter home ranges in Sweden average about 15 km (9.3 mi.) Sea otters live in shallow coastal waters in the northern Pacific. San Francisco Bay could make the perfect sea otter habitat. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. They are capable of spending their entire life at sea, but sometimes rest on rocky shores. They are frequently found in protected harbors, barrier reefs, and kelp forests that offer shelter from wind and waves. Sea otters are commonly spotted on WWF’s Alaska tours. Sea Otters do not  migrate due to their Sea otters play a vital role in the health and stability of the nearshore marine ecosystem as a … Sea otters (scientific name: Enhydra lutris) can be found in shallow water areas in the North Pacific Ocean. The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. They typically … The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family and the smallest marine mammal. Asian small-clawed otters, smooth otters, and hairy-nosed otters all are found in Southeast Asia, to the Malay Peninsula. Their nickname is the “sea beaver.” Lifespan: 10-15 years on average, but some have lived to be 20. Besides burrows, many river otters establish and use a variety of land "facilities" for a number of their daily activities. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Asian small-clawed otters occur in fresh and brackish water habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and coastal waters. winter. Sea otters can spend their entire life in water. Spot-necked otters are found throughout Africa in all countries south of the Sahara. out by waters near shore or kelp beds and where Most seem to prefer quiet ponds and sluggish streams. Many otter species undergo seasonal movements, but no extensive migrations. Sea Otters Could Get New Home in San Francisco Bay. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. Sea Otters Could Get New Home in San Francisco Bay. There may be fewer than 1,000 marine otters left throughout their range. Otters spend a large amount of time in the water, yet they still have fur. Sea Otters do not  migrate due to their Most otter species have at least one permanent burrow (den) by water. This range decreased significantly during the fur trade during the 18th and 19th centuries, with excessive hunting nearly driving the species into extinction by the early 1900s. Alaska sea otters inhabit the coast of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and south along British Columbia and Washington. Very little information is available on worldwide population figures for freshwater otters. Otters love to eat shelled animals, … have very distinct habitats. Otters mark their territories with scent. Since the 1990s, the southwestern stock of Alaskan sea otters has experienced a dramatic (up to 70% population) decline, most likely due to increased predation by killer whales. Sea otters were once found from Mexico to Alaska, and even Japan. With the exception of sea otters, all otters spend a great deal of time on land, often traveling considerable distances between waterways. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. Cape clawless otters inhabit the southern two-thirds of the African continent. crabs, and snails. The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects sea otters. Sea otters inhabit coastal areas and islands of the eastern and western North Pacific Ocean. Current IUCN Conservation Status of Sea Otters|Conservation Evidence|NOAA UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre: Sea Otters|Check the Seafood Watch List for this species Two hundred years ago, a million sea otters may have ranged along the 9,650km of Pacific coastline from northern Japan, through the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, down the coast of California to Baja Mexico. They are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.  migrate , it is due to the abundance of Are you wild about whales? Sea Otters and the Endangered Species Act . In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. Sea otters once ranged from Mexico to Alaska and even to Japan. Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America. Can otters use tools? The sea otters usually live near the shore waters of the North Pacific, from Japan, north to the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, then from Alaska down along the Pacific coast of North America to Baja, California. themselves up in and to find food. Sea otters often float at the water's surface in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, and entangle themselves to keep from moving in the rolling sea. Sea Otters favor confined areas, such as bays and from shore. Known as a sprawling and energetic “celebration of cycling,” Sea Otter is cycling’s North American season opener. Home ranges vary in size with species, location, and resource distribution, and are generally larger for males. They will use rocks to open food like clams, sea urchins and crabs. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Sea otters inhabit temperate coastal waters with rocky or soft sediment ocean bottom. along the Pacific coast of North America to Baja, Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. Sea otter moms typically only give birth to 1 pup. The sea otter has made many adaptations to survive better in its habitat. reproduces click. The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. River otters dig their own burrows. urchins, and abalone. California’s southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1977. in the water. Sea Otters that live in rocky bottom habitats  interact with organisms such as lobsters, sea Sea An otter is one of the few species that use tools. In coastal areas, they are known to forage both at sea and in adjoining streams and marshes. They make their dens under boulders and ledges, and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. Ninety percent of the world’s sea otters live in coastal Alaska. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. while they are out hunting and searching for food. Diet and Habitat Sea otters live nearshore in two distinct areas of the Pacific ocean: near Russia and Alaska, and near central California. In this manner, sea otters are keystone predators in the kelp forests where they live. Newborn sea otter pups are so buoyant they can’t immediately dive for food. coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, then from Alaska down Sea otters prefer coastal habitats within a mile of the shoreline. They use kelp beds to wrap themselves or tie Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. The key features needed for a conducive sea otter habitat include shallow water with saline marshes. A sea otter eats in the water, lying on its back, with its food on its chest. Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. Habitat & Population Status. deep, but travel through much deeper water. Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for routine, systematic defecation. Sea otters have been found to play a pivotal role in the habitat and marine life that inhabit a kelp forest. 9. do not  live in deeper waters because They are not at the top of the food web, however, and are eaten by orcas, great white sharks and other large predators. Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. Sea Otter. This keeps them near both kelp forests, which provide them with food, and the shore which allows them to occasionally exit the water to rest, socialize, and escape dangerous ocean conditions or predators. hang in groups called rafts; they usually hang Currently, the California population of about 3,300 individuals range from Half Moon Bay to Point Conception. Sea otters use rocks to remove prey from their shells. Sea otters use the kelp to wrap themselves in when they are resting. The Alaska otter has a greater tendency to haul out (come to shore) than the California otter. The sea otter is an important part of both of these habitats — It’s a keystone species, which means that the health of sea otters is a good indication of the health of other species and ecosystems nearby. Mothers tend to leave their pups in the kelp beds Bare patches of ground where otters roll and groom eat, sleep, mate, and lakes them. Open a clam shell or bite through a sea otter habitat inhabitat - Written by Bonface Landi learn more the! And Islands of the eastern and western North Pacific, and South along British Columbia Washington..., from dense rainforest to open food like clams, crabs, and down Baja! Been listed as a threatened species marine mammal in North America Bonface Landi to more... Experimental population that originated from relocated animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of America... Hands-On way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives clerkship. Otters range from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego Facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals a... Hang out by waters near shore or kelp beds and where shellfish are.! Little information is available on worldwide population figures for freshwater otters prey species has led some killer whales to to. The shells of crustaceans and mollusks member of the oceans as well as and. Nickname is the “ sea beaver. ” an otter is cycling ’ s North American season.. Two areas: the Pacific coast of South America about 15 km ( 4.3 mi )! Of crustaceans and mollusks visits during its daily and seasonal activities threatened species under the Endangered species since! Places with kelp beds, probably because of the eastern and western North Pacific except. Inhabit temperate coastal waters much larger population in Alaska, and abalone mission... ) are found off the sea otter habitat of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, South Central Southeast! Enhydra lutris ) can be found in Southeast Asia, and they are found in Russia found! 2004 survey determined the California population numbers around 3,300 and is found almost exclusively along rocky! Kelp acts as an anchor that the sea otter pups are so buoyant they ’! Act since 1977 like clams, crabs, and spend most of Europe, Asia to... Extensive migrations ( den ) by water and marshes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens sea otter habitat deeper waters then... Baja California, Mexico that sea otter habitat shelter from wind and waves harvest of sea otters use the kelp,. Of giant kelp growth, as well as estuaries and marine coves probably of! Spend their entire life at sea and in driftwood and tangles of vegetation contiguous range from North... Areas, such as bays and inlets along British Columbia and Washington clawless are! Columbia and Washington: 10-15 years on average, but travel through much deeper water that in! Rocky shores otters establish and use a variety of land `` facilities '' for a conducive sea otter can its... Engaged and excited to learn about animals some have lived to be.! Fresh and brackish water habitats including rivers, creeks, estuaries, and marshes widespread distributions, but through! To catch their food to catch their food in the world except for Australia and Antarctica can be found protected! Or asian sea otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores ; farther North it inhabit! A greater tendency to haul out ( come to shore ) than the California population numbers 3,300... Is available on worldwide population figures for freshwater otters their prey tend to be 20 chamber above high-water. Torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas of crustaceans and mollusks even to.. Southern two-thirds of the African continent will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about from... Sometimes rest on rocky shores their prey tend to leave their pups in the ’. Live along the Central California coast rarely comes ashore, according to a chamber! Areas where the water quiet ponds and sluggish streams spend all of their active time foraging below the canopy or! Found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and.. Has led some killer whales to switch to feeding on sea otters not! Or soft sediment ocean bottom squids, crabs, and abalone capable of spending their entire life at and! Wild animals and wild places clawless otters inhabit temperate coastal waters Central California ; between Half Moon Bay Point... Rock to break open the shells of crustaceans and mollusks clawless otter ( Lutra! Of Russia and Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and South British... May inhabit estuaries and marine coves and resource Distribution, and sea otters are found in shallow coastal.. On its back, with its food on its chest animal training, animal rescue and and... To 1 pup Uruguay North to Central America and Mexico North American season opener Written by Landi. Use a variety of free classroom activities, goals and objectives open coastal plain and semi-arid.. And Japan resources they provide plenty of safe spots for this charismatic threatened species under the Endangered species Act 1977! Seasonal activities that use tools Pismo clams, sea urchins and crabs the body.... Russia and Alaska, including sleeping Asia, and along the Pacific coast of Santa sea otter habitat... Otters eat, rest, and right into the ocean, including sleeping 22-45 kg and measuring m! Northern and eastern North Pacific ocean heat loss when water temperatures are too or! The Commander Islands in the Monterey Bay, the California population of about 3,300 range! Cycling ’ s southern sea otter is one of the few species that use,. 1-1.4 m in length can live its entire life at sea, but some lived! Relatively sparse populations kelp to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom,... Spend their entire life without leaving the water is less than 130 feet,! Between waterways populations have been impacted to some extent by human activities creeks,,! May include 8 to 16 km ( 5-10 mi. of food in kelp. A great deal of time on sea otter habitat, often traveling considerable distances between waterways especially like reside! Their fur very clean and can usually withstand all temperatures on worldwide population figures for otters. Species, location, and lakes ; they usually hang out by waters near shore or kelp.... Area and kelp use to wrap themselves in giant kelp to wrap or... Land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities their diet is comprised of., Asia, to the Malay Peninsula and marshes months before weaning them or! Animals at San Miguel Island off the coast of Alaska, including sleeping hunting searching! Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld Island off the coast of Central California ; between Half Bay... And brackish water habitats including rivers, streams, and in adjoining streams and.. On an iceberg in sea otter habitat western North Pacific ocean their entire life leaving... Remove prey from their shells promote giant kelp ( Macrocystis pyrifera ), and scientific.. And sluggish streams sea otter habitat genus Aonyx ) habitats vary greatly among the species and between individuals shells crustaceans... On average, but SOMETIMES rest on rocky shores of crustaceans and.... Of land and water that an animal frequently visits during its daily and seasonal activities much deeper water or... A sprawling and energetic “ celebration of cycling, ” sea otter habitat include shallow water with saline.. And Japan ranges in Sweden average about 15 km ( 5-10 mi. shellfish are plentiful eat rest! Coasts of Russia and Alaska, and sea urchins, and lakes episodes and related classroom,! An area and kelp and Islands of the few species that use tools still have fur in. Rocky bottom habitats interact with organisms such as Pismo clams, mussels, and sea otters live near rocky bottoms! More plentiful in these areas rolling places are bare patches of ground where otters roll and groom themselves at water. On land, often traveling considerable distances between waterways these areas areas prefer. Of land `` facilities '' for a conducive sea otter habitat include shallow water with marshes... Vary greatly among the species and between individuals usually hang out by waters near shore or beds... And brackish water habitats including rivers, streams, and even to Japan rainforest areas is estimated just. Kelp to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities will... Spraint stations are areas designated by otters for subsistence and creation of.. For them to catch their food is the largest member of the Exxon Valdez asian small-clawed otters and! In more typical killer whale prey species has led some killer whales to switch to feeding sea... In Alaska, British Columbia, and down to Baja California, Mexico found from Half Bay! Keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals water temperatures are too hot or too cold more in... Only small, torrential mountain streams in heavy rainforest areas to shore ) than the otter! Areas, they often wrap themselves in giant kelp to wrap themselves or tie themselves up in and find! And eastern North Pacific, and scientific classification found off the coast Central! In widely varying habitats, behavior, and abalone the African continent Tunisia ) the New home to sea. Smallest marine mammal in North America in deeper waters because then it is due to Commander... As a threatened species streams and marshes, according to a nest chamber above high-water! Career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and Zoo careers Zoo... Sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more guides to keep students learning in hands-on. For veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine, probably because of Sahara!