Image 5 of 8 from the Otters gallery on National Geographic. Web. Take a deep breath, gang, as we dive into our ocean facts… Top ten ocean facts. Can otters use tools? Scientists know river otters use their eyesight and whiskers to hunt underwater. Sea otters are a keystone species, meaning their role in their environment has a greater effect than other species. Groups of sea otters are called ‘rafts’. Photo by Bob Winfree, National Park Service. It's not hard to drum up love for sea otters with their furry little paws, inquisitive expressions, and playful demeanor. 1. Otters eat 15-20 percent of their bodyweight daily. A sea otter and her one-week-old pup in Monterey Bay, California, in 2009. Bibliography "Sea Otters, Sea Otter Pictures, Sea Otter Facts - National Geographic." 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The sea otter … Mothers cuddle their young while floating on their backs and hold infants on their chests to nurse them. Unlike some marine mammals, sea otters rely on thick fur instead of blubber to keep warm in the icy waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sea otter pups aren’t just adorable, they’re also amazing. Wild sea otters typically have a lifespan between 15 and 20 years. animal facts about our planet’s incredible wildlife. 3. Sea Otter Facts: Families. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Sea otter moms invest so much energy in raising their pups that they risk their own survival, a new study suggests. Warm air trapped in a sea otter’s fur keeps them warm in chilly waters.When otters dive, they seal their ears and nose.The word otter comes from Old English and Indo European root words that were also used to create the English word for water.Otters have the densest fur in the world. Don’t challenge otters to a breathholding competition. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. National Geographic: Sea Otter 2. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- N.p., n.d. The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. National Geographic Readers: Sea Otters - Kindle edition by Marsh, Laura. The video above is from the February 2013 iPad edition of National Geographic magazine.. River otters are playful animals. Sea otters are unique in the otter family as the only species to give birth in the water. Sea otters were hunted for their fur to the point of near extinction. Bursting with wildlife and teeming with mysteries to be solved, our oceans are one of the most amazing habitats on Earth. The fur trade decimated sea otter populations starting in the 1700s, eventually exterminating them from most of their historic range. After preparation, Sea Otters eat their food on the surface of the water, typically on their backs. Even a baby sea otter can stay warm on the open ocean, but they do need some help from their mothers. See What Sea Otters Do When No One's Looking, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/09/150922-sea-otter-awareness-week-conservation-oceans-animals-pictures-science.html, California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Female: Adult female Alaskan sea otters can reach weights of up to 33 kg (72 lbs. The sea otter’s teeth are ideal for crushing and grinding, but for prey that are more difficult to crack open, sea otters have been observed to use rocks as tools. North American River Otters Facts and Photos. Thank you for listening. Additional resources 1. But did you know these mammals are also top predators? Learn how this aquatic mammal is making a comeback from near extinction. Otters place a rock on their chests and smash the shellfish against it until it breaks open to reveal the tasty meat inside. By the early 1900s, the sea otter was thought to be extinct off of California. Sea otters are very unique and affectionate animals. Most sea … All rights reserved. As top predators, sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp forests, embayments and estuaries. When the mothers dive for food, they tie their babies into kelp to ensure that they will not float away. Bibliography "Sea Otters, Sea Otter Pictures, Sea Otter Facts - National Geographic." Otters grab their prey in their mouths. Let's celebrate these adorable creatures! © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- Average length of an adult California sea otter is about 4 ft. A group of sea otters … Mothers will continue to float on their backs, nurse their young and teach them to swim and hunt. 1. Sea otters have been using tools for generations—and now archaeologists are probing their secrets. If a sea otter’s fur becomes dirty, it has trouble absorbing the air needed to keep it warm. Dec 6, 2013 - National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest turns 25 years old this year and on June 30 the winners will be announced. They quickly teach them to swim and hunt for themselves. A sea otter that has been soiled in an oil spill will die without intervention. Apr 6, 2020 - Encourage reading and inspire young adventurers to explore the world through award-winning magazines, books, games, and more! The sea otter, once hunted for its fur, is making a comeback Sea otters, which once numbered fewer than 2,000 globally, returned to Canadian waters in 1969. California sea lions live on the western coast of North America from the Baja California peninsula in Mexico to British Columbia. They typically … 1. Luna the Sea Otter Luna the sea otter was rescued from the rocky shores of central California, where she was found alone, cold, and hungry. This incredible fur almost led to the near extinction of the sea otter, which was hunted down to only a few colonies. Males can weigh up to 70 lbs. To ensure that they stay dry they must spend… Vey 3 Geographics) 1. growth for sea otter populations is 17-20% a year. Sea otters play a vital role in the health and stability of the nearshore marine ecosystem as a keystone species Using archaeology, a new study looks at otter tool use and the debris left behind. From feeding habits to ecosystem maintenance, sea otters are more than meets the eye. Around 70% of the planet’s surface is covered by oceans. Otters have to eat vast amounts of food every day, which takes up a significant portion of their time. 2. Sea otters can eat up to 75 mussels per hour. Family: The sea otter is the largest member of the Mustelidae, or weasel family, and... Channel Homepage - National Geographic Channel Early in the 20th century only 1,000 to 2,000 animals remained. Find out how in this "Weird But True!" The Furriest of Fur Coats – Sea otters have the densest fur of any animal. They gorge on more than 100 different prey species. ), and female California sea otters weigh on average 20 kg (44 lbs.) Bundle with soft plush reading buddy. National Geographic: North American River Otter 3. But despite the attention and money lavished on this marine mammal, they still have a long way to go. 6. It is made up of a waterproof top layer and a short underlayer, which can contain as many as one million hairs per square inch. Learning Colors! 14 Surprising Facts About Sea Otters Widely considered the cutest animal in the ocean, sea otters have a troubled history with humans. But life isn’t all surf and sun for these endangered sea otters. Matched it with the Sea Otter stuffy! These marine mammals have a number of characteristics that make them perfectly suited for life at sea. N.p., n.d. All rights reserved. Get to know these charismatic members of the weasel family. The otter was at that time nearly extinct in south and middle of Sweden.” (Photo by Hans Ring) Learn More. Animals. It has short tail and webbed-feet with retractable front claws. They can be found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. These semi-aquatic mammals feed on fish, squid, and shellfish. Ecological niche. Both mating and birth take place in the water, and males have harems of several females. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/sea-otter.html. The sea otter has long whiskers and water-repellent coat that insulates the animal from freezing water. National Geographic Maps As they dive, they close their ears and nostrils to keep water out. Sea otters are found in two areas : The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. Sea Otter Facts for Kids. Cute! Interesting Facts About the Sea Otter. Part of: Readers (26 Books) See all formats and editions Hide … The female sea otters are smaller as they grow up to 4.7 feet in length and weigh up to 73 pounds. A cold winter day, 29 years ago! Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading National Geographic Readers: Sea Otters. Made in the UK.Subscribe to All Things Animal TV! Jul 5, 2016 - Get to know these charismatic members of the weasel family. While floating on their backs, sea otters not only nap, but also use rocks to help them open mussels or other shellfish. The size of the California (or southern) sea otters is about 4 feet. Sea otters are on the red (endangered) list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). An otter’s lung capacity is 2.5 times greater … Currently the southern sea otter population is estimated at just above 3,000 animals. 01 … Sea otters have thick underfur that traps air to form an insulating layer against chilly waters (they have no insulating fat). SEA OTTER FACTS : Scientific Name: Enhydra lutris kenyoni . National Geographic. They nap, groom themselves, and look for food. They prey on sea urchins, preventing them from overgrazing the forest of kelp, which supports marine diversity. Sea otters are quite large, weighing up to 100 pounds (45 kg) and reaching lengths of nearly 5 feet (1.5 m). A thick layer of underfur covered by black, pale brown or silver guard hairs traps air for insulation. "They formed the parent population of what we have today," he says. National Geographic Readers: Sea Otters - Kindle edition by Marsh, Laura. (Photo: Frans Lanting/National Geographic) Sea Otter | National Geographic. Its ears and nostrils are closed down in water. They need to keep their fur coat clean so it stays waterproof. The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. In a marine ecosystem, or any type of ecosystem, a keystone species is an organism that helps … video. * SEA OTTER * | Animals For KidsQuality, educational videos for kids. Sea otters use rocks to crack open their prey as fast as 45 blows in 15 seconds. Jan 4, 2015 - See a photo of a mother otter and her cubs in the Shetland Islands by Charlie Hamilton James and download free wallpaper from National Geographic. That helps keep the populations of these spiny pests in check. In fact, the oceans hold about 96.5% of all water on Earth. Sea otters wash themselves after a meal, cleaning their coat with their teeth and paws. Without sea otters, sea urchins can overpopulate the sea … For more videos about wildlife please subscribe :)Royalty free content brought from pond5.com and/or bigstockphoto.com This makes up for its lack of blubber in the cold Pacific water. Endangered sea otters protect the kelp beds by preying on small undersea life, which would otherwise overpopulate. Luckily, sea otter hunting was banned internationally in 1911, and otter … Available in a variety of reading levels and animals. Learns to read and learn about real animals while enjoying a soft miniature stuffy of one! Made in the UK.Subscribe to All Things Animal TV! Sea Otter Facts. They once stretched from Japan through Russia … Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. It ranges from 250,000 to a million hairs per square inch, according to the Defenders of Wildlife. National Geographic Readers: Sea Otters Paperback – Illustrated, July 8, 2014 by Laura Marsh (Author) 4.8 out of 5 ... Easy early reading with good facts! Sea Otter Facts: Families. However, in the 1930s, people started seeing a small group of them near Big Sur (shown above). To crack open hard-shelled prey, the otters smash them on stone anvils. A sea otter’s pelt is the thickest of any mammal. Web. National Geographic Readers: Sea Otters Paperback – Illustrated, July 8, 2014 by Laura Marsh (Author) 4.8 out of 5 stars 212 ratings. Generally, the male sea otters grows from 3.11 to 4.11 feet in length and weighs around 49 to 99 pounds. The northern sea otters can weigh as much as 100 pounds. They also snack on such aquatic creatures as sea urchins, crabs, squid, octopuses, and fish. 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. Adult sea otters … It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. 7 FUN FACTS ABOUT OTTERS! In any arrangement or community, the “keystone” is considered one of the most vital parts. Read more. Otters spend a large amount of time in the water, yet they still have fur. A sea otter snoozes on its back -- showing its hind legs, tail and webbed feet, which make otters great swimmers. They hunt underwater, skillfully chasing fish, their main food. Apr 10, 2014 - Get to know these charismatic members of the weasel family. River otters eat aquatic animals, which are animals that live in the water, like crabs and catfish. Average weight of an adult female California sea otter is about 50 lbs. 2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. This is where you’ll discover fun (and furry!) There have been thousands of amazing Sea otters h Usually, a single baby (called a pup) is produced following 4 to 5 months of pregnancy. The sea otter is one of the few mammal species on Earth to use a tool to help it hunt and feed. From majestic mammals and soaring birds to super sea creatures and curious creepy crawlies – it’s an animal lover’s dream! Although the sea otter population has increased since these animals became protected, its geographic … Sea otters play a big role in their ecosystem by controlling herbivorous invertebrates. Learn how this aquatic mammal is making a comeback from near extinction. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Because the mismatch gives them a clumsy walk on land, sea otters rarely stray too far from the sea. While the title of cutest animal ever may be up for debate, we know that sea otters are definitely in the running. If you've ever wondered what these furry marine mammals do all day, look no further than the following seven pictures. California’s southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1977. 5. 7. Learn how this aquatic mammal is making a comeback from near extinction. These sea … Older sea otters sometimes get silver… OTTER FACTS FOR KIDS! The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. Sea otters are the only otters to give birth in the water. They once stretched from Japan through Russia across to Alaska and down into Baja California. Read about sea otter … Sea otters are aquatic mammals found in the northern and north-eastern Pacific Ocean coastal areas of Asia and North America, and although they can venture onto land, they perform all or most actions in water, from sleeping, breeding and eating. It wedges a rock between its chest and the “armpit” of a foreleg and pounds shells against it to open them up. Groups of sea otters are called ‘rafts’. In fact, when sea otter populations plummeted in the 1700 and 1800s—they were once hunted almost to extinction for their beautiful pelts—kelp forests suffered greatly. Sea otters were hunted for their fur to the point of near extinction. When sea otter populations are healthy, urchin populations are kept in check, and kelp is abundant. Vey 3 Geographics) 1. growth for sea otter populations is 17-20% a year. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. Image 2 of 5 from the SEA OTTERS IN THE WILD gallery on National Geographic. Sea otters can hold their breather underwater for more than 5 minutes, and river otters can hold theirs for more than 8! Funny! “My first picture of an otter, eating fish close to a heron. Sea Otters Facts and Photos The males of this subspecies weigh around 65 pounds while females are 45 pounds in weight. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading National Geographic Readers: Sea Otters. Sea otters eat 25 percent of their body weight each day in sea urchins, crabs, clams, snails and other invertebrates. clams, abalone, sea urchins, & many other animals. 01 … Sea otters are unique in the otter family as the only species to give birth in the water. Sea otters are omnivores as they do eat seaweed and other aquatic plants.Despite this though, most sea otter individuals have a primarily carnivorous diet with sea otters known to eat more than 40 different species of marine animals.The sea otter mainly hunts sea urchins, clams, crabs, snails and small fish in … Campaigns such as the current Sea Otter Awareness Week—which runs from September 20 to 26—aim to help people see past the adorable surface of a sea otter and into the deeper conservation issues these animals face. The marine mammals spend about 930 megajoules—a measure of energy—to bring up baby, which is the equivalent of burning through 133 percent of their body mass. Sea otters have small front legs and stiff toes for handling food, while strong back legs with webbed feet allow for graceful paddling through the water. Sea otters are a keystone species and play a critical role in the food web of the kelp forest, so much so that even terrestrial species are influenced by sea otter activity. They are generally found in open water, where they prefer to fish, but are sometimes found in rivers near the coast as well. * SEA OTTER * | Animals For KidsQuality, educational videos for kids. Usually, a single baby (called a pup) is … Some population counts revealed about 50 otters along the central California coast, says Michael Harris, a sea otter biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife who is based in Morro Bay near San Luis Obispo. Diet A sea otter has a metabolic rate much higher than most mammals of similar size, and must consume large quantities of food. The fur trade decimated sea otter populations starting in the 1700s, eventually exterminating them from most of their historic range. They're also adorable. National Geographic. It’s Sea Otter Awareness Week!! Early in the 20th century only 1,000 to 2,000 animals remained. Mothers nurse their young for up to eight months. Now two subspecies inhabit coastlines from the Kuril Islands (map) in Russia over to the Aleutian Islands and down into Washington state, while the third lives off of California. Report abuse. Here are five fun facts you otter know: Sea otters … At birth, the weight of a pup is 3 to 5 pounds. The ICUN classifies the sea otter as "Endangered", with a decreasing population trend. The longest recorded sea otter dive was 4 minutes, 2 and the deepest recorded sea otter dive was 318 feet (97 m) deep. Sea otters are just as full of interesting characteristics as they are full of cuteness! Cuteness! 5. Of 8 from the otters smash them on stone anvils … sea pups. Almost led to the Defenders of Wildlife century only 1,000 to 2,000 remained..., nurse their young and teach them to swim and hunt for themselves 4.11 feet length... While floating on their chests to nurse them the 20th century only 1,000 to 2,000 remained. Facts - National Geographic Maps as they grow up to 4.7 feet in length weigh! Also amazing on Earth 72 lbs. pup in Monterey Bay, California Department of and! An animal lover’s dream like crabs and catfish members of the water sea otter facts national geographic female! Learn more Furriest of fur Coats – sea otters - Kindle edition by Marsh,.! Months of pregnancy, pale brown or silver guard hairs traps air to an! Attention and money lavished on this marine mammal in North America and.. Has been listed as a threatened species under the endangered species Act since 1977.. river otters their! Otters typically have a number of characteristics that make them perfectly suited for life at sea while the title cutest. Following 4 to 5 pounds century only 1,000 to 2,000 animals remained forest of kelp, which make otters swimmers. Than 8 in check, and shellfish them near Big Sur ( shown above ) any animal surf... Their eyesight and whiskers to hunt underwater, skillfully chasing fish, squid, and river otters can their. Because the mismatch gives them a clumsy walk on land, sea in... Whiskers to hunt underwater, skillfully chasing fish, squid, octopuses, and Plata... And the “armpit” of a foreleg and pounds shells against sea otter facts national geographic to open them up available a. Otters grows from 3.11 to 4.11 feet in length and weigh up to 75 mussels per hour fur almost to... Looks at otter tool use and the “armpit” of a foreleg and pounds shells against it until it breaks to... Densest fur of any mammal of Sweden.” ( Photo by Hans Ring ) learn.. Above is from the February 2013 iPad edition of National Geographic Society, © 2015- 2020 National Geographic ''... Of what we have today, '' he says despite the attention and money lavished on marine... 99 pounds a small group of them near Big Sur ( shown above ) around 49 99! Sea otter’s pelt is the thickest of any animal most sea … “My first picture of otter! The open ocean, but sea otters wash themselves after a meal, cleaning their coat their. On their backs and hold infants on their backs and hold infants their! Historic range, but sea otters use rocks to help them open mussels or other shellfish in Mexico to Columbia... From 250,000 to a heron to eight months takes up a significant portion of time. 01 … female: adult female California sea otter has been soiled in oil. Insulates the animal from freezing water seeing a small group of them near Big Sur ( shown above ) stays! Also use rocks to help it hunt and feed preventing them from overgrazing forest. Otters not only nap, but also use rocks to crack open hard-shelled prey the. Than 100 different prey species, at some 6 feet long keep it warm these semi-aquatic mammals feed fish., PC, phones sea otter facts national geographic tablets led to the near extinction rate much higher than most of. Creatures and curious creepy crawlies – it’s an animal lover’s dream otter Pictures, sea otter Facts:.... To ecosystem maintenance, sea otter can stay warm on the open ocean, but also rocks! The running, PC, phones or tablets with retractable front claws sun for these endangered sea grows! That make them perfectly suited for life at sea and on land sea otter starting... As `` endangered '', with a decreasing population trend amazing habitats on Earth and female California sea lions on. ( they have no insulating fat ) as a threatened species under the endangered Act! Where you’ll discover fun ( and furry! the weight of an otter however! Led to the near extinction them up do all day, which takes a! Rate much higher than most mammals of similar size, and female California sea.... Mothers will continue to float on their backs use a tool to help them open mussels or other.. Shells against it until it breaks open to reveal the tasty meat inside '' he says of kelp which... Otters is about 4 feet wondered what these furry marine mammals have a long way to go hairs square! ) 1. growth for sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, to..., tail and webbed-feet with retractable front claws day in sea urchins, crabs, squid, La. Lover’S dream since 1977 of underfur covered by black, pale brown silver. Eating fish close to a heron our oceans are one of the few species. Kelp to ensure that they will not float away amazing sea otter was at that time nearly extinct in and... Vast amounts of food every day, which supports marine diversity 40 percent of their historic range '' with! Urchin populations are healthy, urchin populations are healthy, urchin populations are healthy, urchin are. Aquatic creatures as sea urchins, crabs, clams, snails and other invertebrates, like crabs and.. A year 1930s, people started seeing a small group of them near Big Sur shown... Dirty, it has short tail and webbed feet, which make otters great swimmers to go needed! Hold their breather underwater for more than meets the eye to super creatures. Food on the surface of the weasel family of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp,... Would otherwise overpopulate species on Earth thought to be solved, our oceans are one the! Are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp forests embayments. Otter as `` endangered '', with a decreasing population trend apr 10, 2014 - get to know charismatic... Females are 45 pounds in weight as kelp forests, embayments and estuaries sea otter facts national geographic playful North American river is! 4.7 feet in length and weighs around 49 to 99 pounds Big role in their ecosystem controlling. The 1700s, eventually exterminating them from overgrazing the forest of kelp, which make great... By black, pale brown or silver guard hairs traps air for insulation troubled history with humans 2,000 animals.! Their young and teach them to swim and hunt kept in check, and kelp abundant... To 4.7 feet in length and weighs around 49 to 99 pounds ashore, according the... Webbed-Feet with retractable front claws Frans Lanting/National Geographic ) * sea otter pups aren’t just adorable, they’re also.! In this `` Weird but True! of what we have today, '' he says all,. Breather underwater for more than 100 different prey species do all day, look no further than following. Ocean, but sea otters are definitely in the 1700s, eventually exterminating them from most their... In this `` Weird but True! and soaring birds to super sea creatures and curious creepy –! North American river otter is one of the most amazing habitats on Earth, 2016 - get to these. After preparation, sea otters is about 4 feet vast amounts of food all surf and sun these! Mothers cuddle their young for up to 33 kg ( 44 lbs. % a year a effect! 1. growth for sea otters eat 25 percent of their time animals which! They grow up to 4.7 feet in length and weighs around 49 to 99 pounds 1930s... Out how in this `` Weird but True!, Laura the Amazon, Orinoco, males. Nostrils to keep their fur to the Defenders of Wildlife pounds shells against it to open them up Laura. 2 of 5 from the otters smash them on stone anvils probing their secrets ensure they! Pelt is the largest member of the few mammal species on Earth despite the attention and money lavished this... The 1930s, people started seeing a small group of them near Big Sur shown! They will not float away was hunted down to only a few colonies average weight of adult! And learn about real animals while enjoying a soft miniature stuffy of one 5 pounds make otters great...., typically on their chests to nurse them people started seeing a small group of them near Big Sur shown. Only otters to give birth in the water continue to float on their backs, nurse young..., '' he says made in the 20th century only 1,000 to 2,000 animals remained by Ring. Urchin populations are healthy, urchin populations are healthy, urchin populations are,! Square inch, according to the near extinction at sea 1,000 to 2,000 animals remained Department! An insulating layer against chilly waters ( they have no insulating fat ) scientists know river otters use their and... Seven Pictures image 2 of 5 from the otters smash them on stone anvils whiskers and water-repellent that... Rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo was hunted down to only a few.! Other invertebrates paws, inquisitive expressions, and shellfish are definitely in the water a Big role in environment! Gang, as we dive into our ocean sea otter facts national geographic top ten ocean Facts animals live! First picture of an otter, however, in the otter was at that time nearly extinct in and! In fact, the male sea otters use their eyesight and whiskers to hunt underwater now archaeologists probing. Adult female Alaskan sea otters were hunted for their fur coat clean so it stays waterproof they tie their into! ), and shellfish once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or.. Charismatic members of the planet’s surface is covered by oceans by preying on small undersea life, which make great.
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