Sea Otters

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Physical Characteristics

Sea otters are the smallest marine mammals. Sea otters are members of the weasel or Mustelidae family and are closely related to the mink and river otters. Since otters spend most of their time in the water, their hind feet are webbed and adapted for swimming. Their front feet have short toes used to grab and handle food. Sea otters are very clumsy on land and usually can't be seen more than a few meters from the water. Adult male sea otters weigh 70 - 90 pounds (32 - 41 kg) with some individuals reaching 100 pounds (45 kg). Adult female sea otters weigh 30 - 60 pounds (14 - 27 kg). Adults grow to be about 4.5 feet. A sea otter's undercoat ranges from brown to almost black in color. Guard hairs may be silver, pale brown or black. Older otters tend to have a silvery head.