Marine Mammals
Sea Otter
Enhydra lutris
Distribution
North east Pacific Ocean
Ecosystem/Habitat
Shallow, coastal waters; often found in kelp canopies
Feeding Habits
Carnivores and foragers
Conservation Status
Endangered/Threatened/Special Concern
Taxonomy
Order Carnivora (carnivores); Family Mustelidae (weasels)
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Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+Sea otters are a charismatic marine mammal found in the north east Pacific Ocean. As a keystone species, sea otters are a critical member of the kelp forest ecosystems they live in. They are foragers, mostly eating hard-shelled invertebrates such as sea urchins. By keeping the population of kelp-grazing sea urchins to a minimum, sea otters are vital to the health and stability of the kelp forest, and in turn, all the species that depend on kelp forests for survival. Sea otters are preyed upon by bald eagles, orcas and sharks. They also have many adorable traits, including wrapping themselves in kelp or holding hands while sleeping to keep from drifting away.
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- Atlantic Herring
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Atlantic Puffin
- Atlantic Walrus
- Atlantic Wolffish
- Beluga Whale
- Blue Shark
- Bowhead Whale
- Bubblegum Coral
- Canary Rockfish
- Capelin
- Chinook Salmon
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- Fjords
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