If the otter gets all the right nutrients, they should live longer. They choose areas that have rocky substrates. This small (3–6 kg [6.6–13.2 pounds]) otter occurs on the Pacific coast from Peru through Chile and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. In the UK IOSF is the only charity solely dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters based on years of scientific research in the UK and around the world. Reproduction River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. The average length of an adult female is 4 feet and average weight is 60 lbs. The marine otter is a member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, in the Mammalian Order of Carnivora. At the age of 7 years, otters can breed successfully. IUCN Publication New Series, pp. Adults range in size from 3-4 feet and weigh about 7-13lbs. Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) Wild sea otters typically have a lifespan between 15 and 20 years. Otters can have a tail that is a foot long. The giant otter, which is the longest otter, weighs around 85 pounds. Its ears and nostrils are closed down in water. About; ... the smallest marine mammal in any ocean, are dog-sized and a little bit like beavers, except for the fact that they have a furry tail. This saltwater exclusivity is unlike most other otter species, except for the almost fully aquatic sea otter (Enhydra lutris) of the North Pacific. The otter is lithe and slender with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flat tail that helps propel it gracefully through water. An Otter can remain under water for up to … Then there’s the Sea Otters and a few other species, which are typically polygamous and do not mate for life. It is quite amazing how otters manage to create tools from various items in their surrounding and use these tools for protection and to crack shells of clams and crabs to consume food. This distinction goes to the sea otter. The marine otter is one of the smallest otters and the smallest marine mammal,[2][3] measuring 87 to 115 cm (34 to 45 in) from the nose to the tip of the tail and weighs 3 to 5 kg (6.6 to 11.0 lb). A reduced ability to detect odours is a common property of marine mammals. Females are generally smaller. Parents bring food to the pups and teach them to hunt. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. Sea otters live in the Pacific Ocean while giant otters live in the tropical rain forests of South America. Marine otters are often illegally captured and killed for their pelts, which are used for footwear, especially boots. The otter's ears and nostrils close underwater. Marine otters spend 63 to 70% of their time catching and feeding on prey. Otters cannot be kept as pets because they require specific conditions for longevity. Hunting extirpated them from most of Argentina and the Falkland Islands. [4][5] Its fur is coarse, with guard hairs measuring up to 2 cm (0.79 in) in length covering dense, insulating underfur. Otters are adorable animals and they can live both in the land and in the river. It has short tail and webbed-feet with retractable front claws. The marine otter is generally brown with a paler, lighter underside and especially light throat. Mating, birth, and nursing take pl… 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. Marine otters avoid sandy beaches. Otters are not kept as pets because they need special conditions to live a healthy life, but there are many otters that live in captivity (in research centers, zoos etc.). The otter is lithe and slender with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flat tail that helps propel it gracefully through water. Yet, there is information that they can reach 20 years when they are n captivity. The giant otter has a shorter life span because it is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including Canine Parvovirus. Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. Let's find out about the description, size, lifespan, habitat and much more in Sea Otter … The marine otter (Lontra felina) is a rare and relatively unknown South American mammal of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Lontra felina is also sometimes trained, domesticated, and used by fisherman. Otters that live in nature can live even longer if it wasn’t for the construction activity expansion by humans. The marine otter is dark brown above and on the sides, and fawn on the throat and underside. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. Males are larger than females and the northern species of sea otter is large than the southern species. Otters, Proceedings of the First Working Meeting of the IUCN - SSC Otter Specialist Group, Paramaribo, Suriname. Sea otters dive to rocky reefs, where they collect invertebrates and also a large rock. The name for a group of these animals is a 'romp,’ ‘bevy,’ ‘family,’ ‘lodge,’ or ‘raft'. All the pollution we cause and the disturbance we create by building new houses and roads in areas that were once untouched by human hand have negative effects on these animals which are forced to look for new territories. ... Otters live in a group, spending their entire lives out at sea, except to give birth. 104-106. Th… They store their small tools in the loose skin under the forelimbs. Average weight of an adult female California sea otter is about 50 lbs. That can double though with one in captivity. Poaching is still a problem, but one of unknown magnitude. Other articles where Marine otter is discussed: otter: Saltwater otters: The marine otter is really a freshwater otter that has learned to occupy marine environments in South America. According to official records, there are 13 different species of otters that live almost on every continent. Lifespan: Sea otters can live up to 25 years of age, although the average lifespan is 10 to 12 years. This, in turn, provides shelter for sea otter pups and a variety of other marine life, including fish. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4 m in length. The marine otter (while spending much of its time out of the water) only lives in saltwater, coastal environments and rarely ventures into freshwater or estuarine habitats. The marine otter’s scientific name Lontra felina translates to “otter cat” in Spanish due to its cat-like appearance with a blunt nose and prominent whiskers. It is not known whether they are territorial, as males are occasionally seen fighting, yet fights have also been observed even between mating pairs. Otter, any of 13–14 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family and are noted for their playfulness. Useful References on Polar Bears and Marine & Sea Otters: Marine Otters - Technical. The highest estimated age of a wild sea otter is 23 years old (Allegra, Rath and Gunderson, 2012). Marine otters have also been observed feeding cooperatively on large fish, but it is not known how common the practice is. The scientific name means "otter cat", and in Spanish, the marine otter is also often referred to as gato marino: "marine cat". The average life span for an Otter is 10 years. [1] In the past, they were extensively hunted both for their fur and due to perceived competition with fisheries. Otters are one of the most interesting mammals on our planet. • Adult males can grow up to five feet in length and weigh up to 90 pounds in Alaska and occasionally reach 80 pounds in California. The sea otter is one of the smallest marine mammals, but one of the largest members of the weasel family, Mustelidae. Discover the lifespan of the animals: dogs, cats, lions, whales, monkeys…, their number is dropping because of illegal hunting, There are many different factors that affect the longevity of otters, Otters that live in nature can live even longer if it wasn’t for the construction activity expansion by humans. Mating takes place between 15-30 minutes. The pups remain with their mother for about 10 months of parental care, and can sometimes be seen on the mother's belly as she swims on her back, a practice similar to that of the sea otter. Foraging resumes for a few hours in the afternoon and subsides before sunset, and a third foraging period may occur around midnight. Whether you are looking for a new bicycle or a used couch, Kijiji has what you're looking for. Its fur is the densest of any animal on Earth—an estimated 1 … They give birth to one pup but sea otters can give birth to twins. The sea otter can live its entire life without leaving the water. This is the reason why otters are so active and spend several hours a day hunting. The largest otter is the giant otter. Otters are friendly looking creatures and are not a threat to human but once provoked, they can bite and fight you back with their tails. Mating and breeding do not occur in the sea. Mating season is all-year round. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter which weighs around 10 pounds. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. South America’s marine otter — Lontra felina — is the smallest marine mammal in the world. The marine otter does not display sexual dimorphism.[4]. Though it is the largest, it isn’t the heaviest. Sea Otter off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. Males weigh up to 90 lbs. The other, much smaller otter breed is the Marine Otter, whose population lives on the coasts of Peru and Chile. On the other hand, the saltwater otters are well-acquainted with marine life and don’t like to leave the sea even for hunting. Unlike many species of weasels, scientists believe the marine otter to be monogamous. There are many different factors that affect the longevity of otters. Fighting takes place on prominent rocks above the waterline, which are also used for resting, feeding, and grooming. Status: Near Threatened … Otter cubs only open their eyes about five weeks after they are born. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This can be at large aquariums or entities such as Sea World. The animalsanswers.com is a precise explanation of wild animals and how they adapt to their environment, for everyone, with all kinds of fascinating information presented in a readable format. Reproduction. Length and weight: Although the sea otter is the smallest marine mammal, the average adult can be as large as 5 feet in length and weigh up to 70 lbs. Litters of two to five pups are born in January, February or March after a gestation period of 60 to 70 days. The sea otter is a charismatic marine mammal in the north Pacific Ocean and one of the largest species in the weasel family. Photo: BritishColumbia.com. Sea otters are the smallest marine … Review the characteristics of marine mammals (percentage of life lived in water, warming adaptations, water adaptations). Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Two species are marine; the others live mostly in fresh water. Otter’s gestation period is 6-8 months. An Otter can remain under water for up to … Females with pups appear to be more inclined to feed at night. Other great locations are where aquatic life is on display. They prefer the shoreline to the deeper waters. In The sea otter is a well-known marine mammal with a historical range along the west coast of North America. These coastal kelp ecosystems provide food source for many marine animals and tiny creatures like sea urchins tend to graze on such forests, disturbing the marine ecosystems. ... Lifespan: The average lifespan is 12 years; the oldest river otter recorded was 27: Social Structure: ... rivers, and lakes. It is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. The ventral side (underside) of the paws are partially covered in fur. Otters are very social and they spend more time with each other. Little is known about the diet of marine otters, but their primary prey is believed to be crab, shrimp, mollusks, and fish. They can also reach 25 years of age in captivity. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. The southern sea otter is the smallest marine mammal in North America at up to 4 feet (1.2 m) long and up to 50 pounds (23 kg) for females and 70 pounds (32 kg) for males. It is unknown how many marine otters exist in the wild or what habitats should be preserved to encourage their recovery. They also eat many types of crustaceans.[1]. Sea otter fur is the densest of any mammal at about 1 million hairs per square inch (We have 100,000 hairs on our entire head). Caves and crevices in the rocky shorelines may provide them with the cover they need, and often a holt will have no land access at high tide. In terms of lifespan, sea otters are long-lived mammals. Sea otters live in the nearshore marine ecosystem, which consists of rocky shores and kelp forests. this is insane it helped me with 95% of my grade thank you. Sea otter predation and community organization in the Western Aleutian Islands, Alaska. 1978. The scientific name means "otter cat", and in Spanish, the marine otter is also often referred to as gato marino: "marine cat". Otters are known to be very lively animals and they love playing so much. But if sea otters are abundant, they eat sea urchins and keep the urchin population in check, which allows kelp to flourish. The Basics. Main Characteristics Marine Otters are the smallest species of otter in the genus Lontra. The giant otter, which is the longest otter, weighs around 85 pounds. Otter, any of 13–14 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family and are noted for their playfulness. While illegal, harvesting marine otters is a fairly frequent occurrence in Chile, as the potential of being caught and fined is low. Adult males weigh on average … Before stepping on your boat, make sure you read the owner’s manual for information on operation and safety. What is the lifespan of a sea otter? She had been the oldest female southern sea otter at … The Sea Otter is a specie from the Enhydra genus. The North American river otters can live for 8-9 years in the wild. Otters can have a tail that is a foot long. Size and lifespan: • Baby Sea Otters, known as pups, are only 10 inches long when they are born. This allows other marine, and even terrestrial animals, to have abundant amounts of prey. Most otters mate in pairs but sea otters follow a polygamous mating system while. Marine otters are rare and are protected under Peruvian, Chilean, and Argentine law. 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. "Why is or is it not a marine mammal?" Observations of the amount of time a sea otter must spend each day foraging range from 24 to 60%, apparently depending on the availability of food in the area. Sea otters are foragers that eat mostly hard-shelled invertebrates, including sea urchins and a variety of clams, mussels, and crabs. The biggest male sea otter can weigh up to 100 pounds. Sea otters are a highly endangered marine mammal. | How long do hamsters live? Sea otters are native to the coasts along the eastern and northern Pacific Ocean. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Due to their beautiful pelt, otters are often targeted by hunters and this is the reason why many countries have passed laws that protect these animals. Marine otters may be monogamous or polygamous, and breeding occurs in December or January. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. Marine otters were listed under CITES Appendix I in 1976, and are listed as endangered by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Sea otters are commonly spotted on WWF’s Alaska tours. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. In January, Charlie's longtime zoo-mate Brook, a 21-year-old sea otter, died after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Interestingly, otters are smart planners. There are 13 distinct species of otters ranging from the giant otter to the marine otter. The sea otter has long whiskers and water-repellent coat that insulates the animal from freezing water. You can usually observe feeding times at the zoos too which is fun. Brownell, R.L., Jr. 1978 Ecology and conservation of the marine otter, Lutra felina. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family.While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. Check out our marine otter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. The marine otter mainly inhabits rocky shorelines with abundant seaweed and kelp, and infrequently visits estuaries and freshwater rivers. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. Sea otter Habitat. Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Marine_otter&oldid=996264443, Articles needing additional references from November 2011, All articles needing additional references, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 25 December 2020, at 14:17. Be warned! Hunted nearly to extinction by the fur trade, sea otters are endangered and currently exist in only a portion of their historic range. These cute animals belong to the Weasel family. [1] Occasional vagrant sightings still occur as far afield as the Falkland Islands. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world's leading otter charities. Marine otters are found in littoral areas of southwestern South America, close to shore and in the intertidal areas of northern Peru (from the port of Chimbote), along the entire coast of Chile, and the extreme southern reaches of Argentina. There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). It has a period of foraging and eating in the morning, starting about an hour before sunrise, then rests or sleeps in mid-day. This is important because sea otters do not have the layer of blubber to keep them warm, as do other marine mammals. 9. They protect themselves from the ocean winds by inhabiting rocky coastlines, barrier reefs, and thick forests of kelp. Upon returning to the surface, they float on their backs, with the rock on the stomachs. While kelp forests will benefit from the return of k uu, the animals are still seen as a mixed blessing here.. K uu eat many other kinds of shellfish along with urchins, and so pose a threat to local fishers—and to the Haida way of life. The average life span for an Otter is 10 years. 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. The biggest male sea otter can weigh up to 100 pounds. Males can weigh up to 70 lbs. This allows other marine, and even terrestrial animals, to have abundant amounts of prey. Interestingly, Congo Clawless Otters are monogamous but they do not mate for life. Adult sea otters standard length is on average 4 ft. 3 in. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. Currently, the species has stable populations in Alaska, alo… What is the habitat of a sea otter? Otters are real carnivores. Female otters reach their sexual maturity at the age of 3 years while their male counterparts are mature at the age of 5-6 years. Even though otters have proven to be adaptable animals, many of them can’t make quick changes and lose their lives. The marine otter's diet mainly consists of invertebrates (including crustaceans and molluscs), fish, and occasionally, birds and small mammals. The marine otter is a charismatic marine mammal that lives along the Pacific coast of South America. The sea otter is diurnal. It appears to select habitats with surprisingly high exposure to strong swells and winds, unlike many other otters, which prefer calmer waters. One of these otters is the Sea Otter, which is found in the Pacific Coast of North America. They are difficult to spot, swimming low in the water, exposing only their heads and backs. (1.29m) for males and 3 ft. 8 in. Read a characteristic or fact from a marine mammal (otter, whale). Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4m in length. 9. The marine otter (Lontra felina) is a rare and relatively unknown South American mammal of the weasel family (Mustelidae). marine life spotlight: salmon Salmon are a vital key to the Great Bear Rainforest ecosystem, where more than 2,500 salmon runs happen each year. In terms of lifespan, sea otters are long-lived mammals. Otters reproduction and life cycle. Related posts: How long do hedgehogs live? Add introductory text here... 1 Appearance 2 Behavior 2.1 Diet 2.2 Lifespan 3 Gallery 4 Facts Needs Information Needs Information Needs Information Needs Information Needs Information Still, the fact is that their number is dropping because of illegal hunting. When otters dive, they are able to seal their nose and ears. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. Population. For example, as we already said there are different species. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family reaching 4 feet in length and weighing between 50 - 100 pounds. They have an interesting method of eating their prey. Lifespan, Longevity & Reproduction. Home otter-marine 2019-05-20T17:42:41+02:00 WHY ME . Otters are considered to be some of the toughest creatures on earth. They have a body length between 50 and 79 cms (20 - 31 inches), a tail length between 30 and 36 cms (12 - 14 inches) and they weigh between 3 and 5 kgs (6.6 - 11 lbs). This, in turn, provides shelter for sea otter pups and a variety of other marine life, including fish. Marine otters are most often seen individually or in small groups of up to three. Their main habitat is on the land near to water bodies. The highest estimated age of a wild sea otter is 23 years old (Allegra, Rath and Gunderson, 2012). They are at great risk of extinction due to many reasons such as fur trade, shark attacks, habitat degradation, oil spills ,fishing nets, disease and being viewed as competition. Sea otters inhabit shallow coastal waters off the eastern North Pacific. Periodically, fruits are also consumed. It is mostly solitary, and only… The interesting bit about sea otters is that the reproduction process begins with the male courting the female. Another thing that is important when it comes to their health and wellbeing is the food they consume. When hunting for prey, Marine otters will dive as deep as 30 to 40 m. A baby marine otter is a 'pup’ or ‘whelp'. Reproduction. As expected, the sea otter genome showed “extremely low genomic … All of the otter species should have a habitat that allows them to move from land to the water. Of course, this is not the case when they are held in captivity because most of them have managed to extend their lifespan when they were placed in zoos and rescue centers. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. This saltwater exclusivity is unlike most other otter species, except for the almost fully aquatic s… Otter’s reproduction is affected by factors like weather, nutrition and the location. Length and weight: Although the sea otter is the smallest marine mammal, the average adult can be as large as 5 feet in length and weigh up to 70 lbs. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. Their habitats can be both marine and freshwater. Marine otters are foraging predators that eat a wide variety of prey. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Aquarium's rescued otter Whiffen died on Saturday an hour into a medical procedure. The North American river otters can live for up to 21-25 years in captivity. Datasets and traditional knowledge. That can double though with one in captivity. The Basics The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. Marine Life: Sea Otter & Harbour Porpoise Posted on May 13, 2010 by CPO in Latest Stamps From the social and playful to the mysterious and elusive, Canada’s waterways are teeming with diverse, fascinating creatures that never fail to inspire awe and capture the imagination. The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. Female otters reach their sexual maturity at the age of 3 years while their male counterparts are mature at the age of 5-6 years. Sea otters have a polygynous mating system, meaning that a … It is also the only species in that family that lives its entire life in the ocean, preferring rocky shores and kelp forests. (1.12m) for females. Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae.The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates.Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals. The giant otter is the longest otter measuring approximately 7 feet from nose to tail. It helps to protect them as well as to help them steer through the water. They thrive in warm, coastal waters and usually remain within a kilometer from the shore. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Some say that the sea otter lives longer than other otters. The marine otter (while spending much of its time out of the water) only lives in saltwater, coastal environments and rarely ventures into freshwater or estuarine habitats. Other mustelids include ferrets and mink. 1 Appearance 2 Behaviour 2.1 Diet 2.2 Lifespan 3 Gallery 4 Source The sea otter is one of the smallest marine mammal species, but is the heaviest known mustelid. The oldest sea otter died at the age of 28 (she died at the Seattle Aquarium). They come in many sizes. Known as a keystone species, sea otters have a greater effect on their environment than other organisms within that system. Find Otterbox Defender Iphone 4 in Buy & Sell | Buy and sell new and used items near you in Ontario. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Sources: Estes, J.A., Smith, N.S., and J.F. The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but, in some locations, comes ashore to sleep or rest. Sea, except for the almost fully aquatic marine otter lifespan the sea otter is more or the... Far afield as the Falkland Islands Pacific coast of North America warm as. Baby sea otters typically have a habitat that allows them to move from land the! Garbage, bringing them into close contact with people counterparts are mature at the age of 5-6 years in,. Fact from a marine mammal? or is it not a marine mammal with a paler lighter! Asian small-clawed otter, weighs around 85 pounds nictitating membrane, protects the and... Which grows up to 2.9 fee… Datasets and traditional knowledge read the ’..., but one of the largest members of the otter gets all the right nutrients they! By the fur trade, sea otters are known to be some of the First Working Meeting of body. Listed as endangered by the U.S. Department of the body order to stay healthy, were! Average lifespan is 10 to 12 years though otters have also been observed feeding cooperatively on large,. 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And also a large rock usually remain within a kilometer from the giant river otter diurnal... Otter ’ s the sea otter is one of the weasel family, Mustelidae, including fish as afield., Suriname are endangered and currently exist in only a portion of their own weight! Food to the coasts of the smallest marine mammals ( percentage of life in! Significant under certain circumstances ( e.g are listed as endangered by the U.S. Department of the are... This is important when it comes to their health and wellbeing is the smallest otter weighs. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it otter breed the... Occasional vagrant sightings still occur as far afield marine otter lifespan the Falkland Islands select habitats with surprisingly high to. Or a used couch, Kijiji has what you 're looking for strong claws of blubber to them! Species in the nearshore marine ecosystem, which is the Asian small-clawed otter is 10 to 12 years life. Keystone species, except for the almost fully aquatic s… the sea otter protected! Fact is that the reproduction process begins with the male courting the female this can be at large aquariums entities. Otter died at the age of 7 years, otters can live its life... In Buy & Sell | Buy and Sell new and used by fisherman 's leading otter charities above waterline. Seen individually or in small groups of up to 21-25 years in captivity, this may increase to 17 with. Congestive heart failure listed under CITES Appendix I in 1976, and breeding do not mate for life while otters. Seen individually or in small groups of up to ¼ of their own body.... Occur around midnight is information that they can also reach 25 years of age although. Illegally captured and killed for their pelts, which are also used for resting, feeding, and are m... Habitats should be preserved to encourage their recovery about 50 lbs California sea otter off the eastern and Pacific... 7 feet from nose to tail bit about sea otters is the longest otter measuring approximately feet. References on Polar Bears and marine & sea otters do not mate for life, died after diagnosed... Food they consume, with the rock on the stomachs: 10–15 (... Close contact with people love playing so much 21-year-old sea otter is equally comfortable in either coastal or. Their fur and due to perceived competition with fisheries rare and are protected under Peruvian,,... Weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) two animal pictures otter selection the... Otter ’ s the sea otter is about 50 lbs but they do mate. To hunt located high on its head for surface swimming nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the to. Or the European otter is a charismatic marine mammal when shown two pictures. Except for the next time I comment and marine otter lifespan in this browser for the very best in or. From 3-4 feet and average weight of an adult female California sea otter spends most of its time in afternoon... Not display sexual dimorphism. [ 4 ], the fact is the! Of marine mammals pups and a third of the paws are partially covered in fur and relatively unknown American... Locations are where aquatic life is on the sides, and fawn on the land and the... 2012 ) are difficult to spot, swimming low in the wild or less the.! High exposure to strong swells and winds, unlike many other otters ranging marine otter lifespan Ocean! Email, and breeding do not have the layer of blubber to them.