Sea Otterラッコ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Mustelidae Source

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

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

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