Sea Otter
Enhydra lutris
Sea otters are the smallest marine mammals but have the densest fur of any animal on Earth. Once hunted to near extinction in BC for their valuable pelts, they were reintroduced in the 1970s and their population is slowly recovering. These charismatic animals are often seen floating on their backs, using rocks as tools to crack open shellfish.
Length
1-1.5 m
Weight
14-45 kg
Nearshore kelp forests along the outer coast of Vancouver Island. Rarely come onto land. Found in shallow waters with rocky or sandy bottoms.
Sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, abalone, and other invertebrates. Must eat 25% of their body weight daily to maintain body heat.
Spend almost entire lives in water. Float on backs to eat, rest, and groom. Use rocks as tools to open shellfish. Wrap themselves in kelp to avoid drifting while sleeping.