Sea Otterラッコ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Mustelidae Source

Size

Body length 100–130 cm (males 120–150 cm, females 100–140 cm), tail 25–37 cm

Weight

Males 22–45 kg, females 14–33 kg

Lifespan

Wild: males 10–15 years, females 15–20 years (maximum 23 years) / captive: record of 28 years

Diet

Carnivore Carnivorous, preying on more than 100 species including mollusks, crustaceans, and sea urchins, and eating fish when food is scarce; it must eat 25–38% of its body weight every day

Activity

Diurnal; at night it rests in calm coves, wrapping itself in kelp

Distribution

Native to the northern and eastern North Pacific, inhabiting coastal waters from Alaska through British Columbia, Washington, and California, as well as Russia's Far East coast and the Kuril Islands. Source

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

• Sea otters have up to 150,000 hairs per square centimeter of skin, giving them the densest fur of any animal—an adaptation essential for staying warm in cold Pacific waters. Source
• Sea otters float on their backs and use a rock balanced on their chest as an anvil to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few mammal species known to use tools. Source
• Resting sea otters in groups called rafts are famous for holding hands, or wrapping themselves in kelp, to keep from drifting apart while they sleep. Source

Former facilities

Closed: 2015-05-10 Official Site

Closed: 2004-01 Official Site

FAQ

Why is sea otter fur so special?

Sea otters have up to 150,000 hairs per square centimeter of skin, the densest fur of any animal, which traps air for insulation since—unlike most marine mammals—they lack a thick blubber layer. Source

Are sea otters endangered?

Yes, the IUCN lists them as Endangered. The fur trade drove the global population from an estimated 150,000–300,000 down to just 1,000–2,000 individuals by the early 20th century; it has since recovered to roughly 107,000 but remains well below historical numbers. Source

Do sea otters really hold hands?

Yes. Sea otters resting in groups called rafts often hold hands or wrap themselves in kelp to avoid drifting apart while sleeping. Source

How many operating facilities are registered here?

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 9 Source

Books & gear

• Sea Otter book
• binoculars