- The sea otter has the thickest fur in the animal kingdom. Unlike other marine mammals, the sea otter does not have a layer of blubber (fat) to help keep it warm. If an otter's fur gets coated with oil or any other substance, it can easily die from cold and exposure.
- The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family. They typically reach about four feet in length. Females average 45 pounds, while males average 65 pounds.
- Today, there are about 2,500 southern sea otters off the coast of California. There are between 27,500 and 52,500 northern sea otters residing in Alaska, Canada and Washington. There are approximately 15,000 in Russia.
- Male sea otters live an average of 10-15 years, while female sea otters live an average of 15-20 years. Their known habitat is in shallow coastal waters of the northern Pacific.
- They eat sea urchins, abalone, mussels, clams, crabs, snails and about 40 other marine species.
- Sea otters are the only mammals other than primates known to use tools. Otters use small rocks or other objects to pry prey from rocks and to hammer or pry open their food. They can dive up to 330 feet when searching for food.
- They often breed throughout the year. Females give birth to one pup after a gestation period of six to eight months.