California Sea Otter

Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: Mammalia

General Characteristics● Can close nostrils and small ears

underwater● Long whiskers to detect vibrations in

murky water● Retractable claws

o Used to help groom, locate and capture prey underwater, and use tools

General Characteristics● Dense fur due to lack of blubber layer

for warmth● Hind feet are webbed and flipper-like

o Help propel through the water along with lower body

● Long, flattened tail used as a ruddero Also aids in propulsion

● Particularly highly sensitive to high-frequency sounds

General Characteristics● Unique teeth for a mammal

o Blunt, used for crushing rather than sharp for tearing

Reproduction● Polygynous- males have multiple

female partners● Female otters can give birth at any

time during the year● Takes 4 months for fetus to fully

developo Delayed implantation (2 months) almost

always occurs

Prey● Must consume 25% of body weight

each day in prey to survive!● A 75 pound sea otter can eat up to

1,500 sea urchins a dayo Or about 25 pounds of seafood

Prey● Sea urchins, Abalone, Crabs, Mussels,

Clams, Marine snails, Marine worms, Sea stars, and Squid

● Eat at least 50 species of benthic invertebrate

Predators● Great white sharks are the main

predators of California Sea Otterso Humans and Killer Whales are also predators

Videos

Interesting Facts● Sea Otters hold hands in the water● Newborn pups cannot sink or dive● Sea Otters have built in pockets under

their arms● A group resting together is called a

raft● One of the few animals that use ‘tools’

to eat their food and open shells