Southern sea otter
Enhydra lutris nereis
Where at Shedd?
Abbott Oceanarium
| Diet | Clams, mussels, urchins, abalone, fishes, octopus |
|---|---|
| Size | Males: 47 - 60 inches (120 - 150 cm); 65 - 70 pounds. Females: 39 - 55 inches (100 - 140 cm); 45 - 50 pounds |
| Type | Mammals |
| Range | Rocky coastlines and kelp forests in Northern Pacific Ocean from Central to Southern California, United States |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines and kelp forests in northern Pacific Ocean from Japan to Alaska, Canada and California, United States |
About the Southern sea otter
The sea otters are the best-groomed animals at Shedd — and in the ocean. It’s a matter of survival. Instead of blubber to keep them warm in the cold Pacific Ocean, these marine mammals have the densest fur of any animal — up to 1 million hairs per square inch.
Did you know?
The southern sea otters at Shedd all found a safe home here after being rescued as pups off the coast of California.
Sea otters eat about 25% of their body weight in food per day.
Sea otters are the largest members of the weasel family and are related to animals like skunks, wolverines and badgers.