The Sea Otter's Heavy Coat

The sea otter is a marine mammal native to the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Sea otters live exclusively in the ocean.

Adult males weigh 22 to 45 kg. Specimens up to 54 kg have been recorded. They are the heaviest weasels.

Sea otters use rocks to dislodge prey and open shells. Few mammal species use tools.

The sea otter preys mostly on marine invertebrates like sea urchins, protecting kelp forests from extensive damage.

Sea otter has much greater lung capacity than land mammals.

Blubber is simply too mainstream.

Between 1741 and 1911, hunters reduced the global population to 1,000 to 2,000. An international ban later allowed rebound.

Today the species occupies about two-thirds of its former range. The sea otter remains classified as an endangered species.