Sea Otter

About this species

Size

Males 148cm; females 140cm

Weight

Males 27–38.6kg; females 16–27kg

Diet

Bivalves, sea urchins, crabs, snails and chitons

Habitat

Shallow rocky coastal waters

Range

Eastern Hokkaido coast

The sea otter is a marine mustelid with a broad whiskered muzzle, webbed hind feet and exceptionally dense fur that traps insulating air. Adult males reach about 148cm and 27–38.6kg; females about 140cm and 16–27kg (National Museum of Nature and Science, Marine Mammals Information Database). Unlike seals it commonly floats on its back at the surface, where the forepaws remain free to handle food and groom the coat.

After disappearing locally, sea otters have begun recolonising the coast of eastern Hokkaido in recent decades. Observed prey there include bivalves, sea urchins, crabs, snails and chitons, taken from the seabed in shallow coastal water (Ochi et al. 2024). Sightings remain concentrated along eastern Hokkaido and should be watched from a respectful distance without approaching resting animals. The species is nationally Critically Endangered (Japan MOE Red List 2020).

Description: Wildlife of Japan guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)