Sea otter facts pdf

In what is a disturbing trait, this lovable and cute weasel has a dark side that darth vader would be proud of sea otters may seem sweet and cute, especially when they are sleeping, but apart from their looks, thats about as cute as these creatures come. In addition, the area that we have designated as critical habitat for sea otters is only 4% of the area designated for steller sea lions. Jun 25, 2012 so please enjoy the sea otters from the safe viewing distance of 50 yards 150 feet on land and 100 yards 300 feet on water per the marine mammal protection act of 1972. The reproductive cycle in california sea otters is about 12 months. Sea otters often float at the waters surface in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, and entangle themselves to keep from moving in the rolling sea. The management program conducted by the state included the successful reintroduction of sea otters to unoccupied habitat in southeast alaska, british columbia. They have webbed feet, waterrepellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water.

This designation is essentially the same areas we proposed on december 16, 2008 73 fr 76454. Otters are the only truly amphibious members of the weasel family. When sea otter populations are healthy, urchin populations are kept in check, and kelp is abundant. Dow sea otter fact sheet 2011 defenders of wildlife. In 1742, vitus berings men returned with sea otter pelts from the. A pictorial guide to sea otter anatomy and necropsy findings. The future for otters though is really going to depend on the balance when it comes to the predators they have. And please leave handling of sick or dead marine wildlife to trained personnel. Pdf the connection between the health of humans, animals, and the. Thats because, unlike its fellow marine mammals, it has no blubber to keep it warm. However, large numbers of sea otters can deplete shellfish populations, conflicting with fisheries for crabs, clams, and abalones. In the wild the otters are under threat from habitat destruction and pollution may.

More recently, otters were present throughout great britain in the early 1950s, but from the mid1950s to late 1970s there was a dramatic decline. Its range once extended from baja california north then west through the aleutian islands, to the kamchatka peninsula, and south to the northern islands of japan. Bobcats have become more of a problem too due to the increased numbers of them in the wild. The goal of the recovery program is to control or reduce threats to. 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. They are the only mammals other than primates, and a few other animals, including birds, known to use tools. Otter factsheet fun factsheets kids durrell wildlife. The original habitat of the sea otter ranged from the kurile islands of japan, to the aleutian chain of alaska, along the coasts of washington and oregon, and down the coast of california to baja california friends of the sea otter.

Sea otters are the heaviest of the otter species giant otters are the longest. If a females pup does not survive, she may experience postpartum estrus. Sea otters occupy coastal areas from the intertidal to at least 50m depths. The river otter lutra canadensis is a member of the mustelidae or weasel family. The southern sea otter is separated by more than great distances from. Without sea otters, sea urchins can overpopulate the sea floor and devour the kelp forests that provide cover and food for many other. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg 31 and 99 lb, making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and soft, dense fur. See the fact file below for more information on the otters or alternatively, you can download our 18page otter worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment. Our free coloring page and fact sheets combine art and education by letting children express their creativity while learning fun facts. There are species in total, ranging from the smallclawed otter to the giant otter. Sea otters rape and drown baby seals unreal facts for. The northern sea otter is found in washington, canad a, and alaska. Sea otters play a vital role in the health and stability of the nearshore marine ecosystem as a keystone species.

Fish and wildlife service service finalized designation of 15,164 km 2 5,855 mi of critical habitat for the threatened northern sea otter in southwest alaska. Held every year during the last week in september, sea otter awareness week spotlights the important role of sea otters in nearshore ecosystems of the north pacific ocean. Average weight of an adult female california sea otter is about 50 lbs. Enhydra lutris, or enhydra lutris nereis physical characteristics. They eat sea urchins, sea stars, coast mussels, purplehinged rock scallops limpets and chitons. The sea otter enhydra lutris is the smallest marine mammal, and quite arguably the cutest, with its gentle. Otters are some of the most adorable aquatic animals. Their charming features are unparalleled, from their expressions to their use of tools. There are different species of river and sea otters worldwide. Average length of an adult california sea otter is about 4 ft. In fact, by the 1920s, the sea otter was at the brink of extinction it was even thought to be extinct for a time. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family the mustelidae.

Wild sea otters typically have a lifespan between 15 and 20 years. Sea otter have loose skin, very little body fat, and no scent glands. Recovery strategy for the sea otter enhydra lutris in canada. It is also known to break open shells by hitting them against a rock that it balances on its stomach. See more ideas about otters, sea otter, otter love. Southern sea otter facts friends of the sea otter defenders of. Their prey provides most of their water but they also drink seawater when thirsty. Southern sea otter stranding contact numbers for the public. The russian sea otter is found off the eastern coast of russia and several have been reported in japan. Between 19922000, there was a decline of about 70% in this population. Sea otters use rocks to remove prey from their shells. Baby sea otters, known as pups, are only 10 inches long when they are born. They are carnivores, meaning they eat meat such as clams, mussels, abalone, urchins, snails, crabs, other marine species and small mammals.

An otter family will defend a territory and use scent to mark the territory boundaries. Females give birth in water to only one young, which remains dependent on. Under their arms, sea otters have built in pockets. Sea otter cross stitch pattern pdf sea otter embroidery instant download small laselvadesign. The sea otter enhydra lutris is the smallest marine mammal, and quite arguably the cutest, with its gentle expression and playful nature endearing it to many. River otter fact sheet river otter ecology project. Eurasian otters are polyestrous, having a four to sixweek cycle with two weeks of estrus. They have 7 cervical, 14 thoracic, 6 lumbar, 3 sacral and 2021 caudal vertebrae. A group of sea otters resting together is called a raft. The largest member of the weasel family, the sea otter is also the 2nd smallest marine mammal. Jun 26, 2019 sea otters are a keystone species and play a critical role in the food web of the kelp forest, so much so that even terrestrial species are influenced by sea otter activity.

In the wild, these otters eat crabs, shellfish and small fish like gouramis or catfish. Sea otters are members of the weasel family mustelidae. The extent of sea otter habitat is defined by water depth and the availability of food on the sea floor. A river otter can hold its breath under water for up to. Critical habitat for sea otters has not been identified. Sea otter facts friends of the sea otter defenders of wildlife. Management plan for the sea otter enhydra lutris in canada sea. The sea otter s dark brown fur is the finest and densest of any animal fur. Sea otter animal profile, pictures, facts, range map. Sea otters are known to wrap their pups and themselves in kelp to keep from drifting out to sea. After preparation, sea otters eat their food on the surface of the water, typically on their backs. Recovery of the alaska sea otter population in the 1900s was dramatic. By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to scotland, especially the islands and the northwest coast, western wales, parts of. They use small rocks or other objects to pry shellfish.

Sea otters are carnivorous, eating almost any fish or marine invertebrate from their kelp forest foraging area. Sea otter facts for kids sea otter fun facts and information. Pdf sea otter enhydra lutris diet diversity in zoos and aquariums. The asian small clawed otter is the smallest otter species and the giant otter and sea otter are the largest. Otters live along rivers, streams, and lakes bordering wetlands. Sea otters are members of the weasel family mustelidae and are related to mink and river otters.

Their dense fur has up to 450,000 hairs per square inch. As we all know, every animal has predator and prey. Relative to river otters, sea otters have flattened molars for crushing prey rather than tearing. Primary reason for listing of ca sea otters as threatened in 1977 under the endangered species act risk of oil spills. Sea otters are aged by looking at the rings in the first premolar tooth which are counted similar to rings in a tree core. Most have sharp claws on their feet except for the sea otter that have long, muscular tails. Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otter s primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the. A sea otter relies on its fur to keep warm because it doesnt have an insulating layer of blubber as other marine mammals do. On an adult animal, there are an estimated 650,000 hairs per square inch. They are also very vocal and communicate use a variety of calls.

Favorite add to sea otter cute decorative figure size 5 inches. Californias southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the endangered species act since 1977. Otters have long, slim bodies and relatively short limbs. Otters can live to be up to ten years old, though few survive more than five years. Otters that live near swamps may become food for alligators and crocodiles. See more ideas about otters, worksheets, sea otter. It is an amphibious member of this family as are the mink and sea otter. The 11 species often referred to as river otters are found throughout north america, south america, europe, africa, and asia in freshwater ecosystems that sustain an abundance of prey such as fish, crayfish, crabs, mussels, and frogs. Most river otters are opportunistic, feeding on whatever is most easily obtained. Their teeth are strong enough to crunch open a clam shell or bite through a sea urchins spines. River otters are carnivores who eat crayfish, fish, frogs, snakes, snails, turtles, and insects. Sea otters are the only marine mammal that does not have blubber to keep it warm. Aug 31, 2018 this page contains sea otter facts and information, and is part of our arctic animals series. Perhaps as few as 2,000 total animals existed in 1911, but by the mid1970s the alaska population numbered between 110,000 and 160,000.

Sea otters are one of the smallest marine mammals in the world yet the largest member of the weasel family. Eurasian otter lutra lutra, smoothcoated otter lutra perspicillata, asian smallclawed otter amblonyx cinerea, sea otter. Sep 28, 2017 sea otters are just as full of interesting characteristics as they are full of cuteness. Its fur is the densest of any animal on earthan estimated 1 million hairs per square inch. Did you know sea otters can transmit diseases to humans. Sea otter predation on the herbivorous urchins genus strongylocentrotus enables kelp forests and the fish associated with them to flourish. Sea otters are a keystone species, meaning their role in their environment has a greater effect than other species. Sea otter coloring page fact sheet downloadable pdf. By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to scotland, especially the. Currently the southern sea otter population is estimated at just above 3,000 animals.

Otters recolonised the british isles after the last ice age, and they were widespread across the whole landmass during much of the intervening 10,000 years. They float right at home in the waterthats a sea otter. Sea otters have several adaptations that allow them to live in a marine. Sea otter enhydra lutris registre public des especes en peril. The sea otter can live its entire life without leaving the water. Fun facts oriental smallclawed otters are the smallest of the otter species. Pdf on jul 15, 2019, caroline hempstead and others published sea otter enhydra. The sea otter is a marine mammal that has 3 subspecies. Also called lontra canadensis or nearctic river otters click on the image to view and download the complete pdf. Its hind feet are webbed and flat so they work more like flippers. Download this beautifully illustrated sea otter coloring page, perfect for quiet time at home, projects at school, fun on rainy days, road trips, and homeschooling. Much of the designated sea otter critical habitat is.

Sea otters, in fact, help the kelp forests by eating the number one herbivore in the region. Unlike most sea mammals, the sea otter does not have a layer of fat under its skin to keep it warm. However, in the last two decades, the southwest alaska stock of sea otters has declined sharply over 80% in. Humans can control their desires to remove them for their own.

Southern sea otter, northern sea otter, and russian sea otter. Sea otters have small front legs and stiff toes for handling food, while strong back legs with webbed. Half of the sea otter population is south of monterey bay and north of estero bay. The sea otters diet includes fish, crabs, mollusks, and sea urchins, and it has very strong teeth for crushing their. Today were talking about an mammal who prefers the water over land. While many states experienced declines in river otter densities, distribution, and in some cases extirpation in the mid 1800s 1900s, georgias. The sea otter once ranged from baja california to the pacific northwest to russia and japan. As top predators, sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp forests, embayments and estuaries. Otters in alaska are both listed as threatened under the endangered species act. With up to one million hairs per square inch of skin, this species has the densest fur of any mammal.

Otters are very playful they are often seen sliding down muddy banks. Sea otter critical habitat in southwest alaska on october 8, 2009, the u. Then, in the 1700s and 1800s, hunters and fur traders killed so many that the population was devastated. Adult males weigh 70 to 90 pounds 3241 kg with some individuals weighing 100 pounds. Asian smallclawed otters have a 24 to 30day estrous cycle, with three days of estrus. The sea otters diet includes fish, crabs, mollusks, and sea urchins, and it has very strong teeth for crushing their shells. While floating on their backs, sea otters not only nap, but also use rocks to help them. Sea otter alaska department of fish and game state of alaska.

The sea otter is the only species of otter that spends almost its whole life at sea, even though it rarely travels farther than 0. The sea otter is one of the few mammal species on earth to use a tool to help it hunt and feed. Some bites can result in serious, even lifethreatening wounds. 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. Diet often varies seasonally or locally, depending on which prey is available. Sea otter the sea otter enhydra lutris lives in shallow water areas along the shores of the north pacific. The sea otter enhydra lutris is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern north pacific ocean. Fun facts average hairs per square inch on a human head. They live along the coasts of the northern pacific ocean see the map above. Conservation sea otters are a keystone species for kelp forests, meaning they have a disproportionateeffect on this habitat. The sea otters teeth are ideal for crushing and grinding, but for prey that are more difficult to crack open, sea otters have been observed to use rocks as tools. Sea otter facts for kids sea otter habitat dk find out.