SEA OTTER 



The sea otter was once numerous along the Pacific Coast. By 

 1900, American, English, and Russian fur hunters had nearly extermi- 

 nated it. Now in remote areas of the Aleutian Islands and along the 

 Alaska Peninsula it has increased under strict protection. Its soft fvu: 

 is of fine quality and the few pelts confiscated by the Government brought 

 from $20 up to $465 apiece. Sea-otter skins have reputedly sold as high as 

 $2, 500. It is a violation of the Federal Law to possess a sea-otter pelt 

 without a permit. 



Description 



The adult male is about 4-1/2 feet in length and weighs up to 85 

 pounds; the female 4 feet and 55 poimds; the newborn yoimg 16 to 22 

 inches and 3 to 5 pounds. 



The dark brown fur of the sea otter is 1 to 1-1/2 inches long with 

 scattered guard hairs. In the adult these hairs are often black or silver. 

 The face is light in color, and is flatter than that of any seal. 



Sea otters are gregarious, and a group of a hundred or more may 

 remain together for a long time, resting or playing near some favorite 

 kelp bed. When the weather is mild the animals spend most of their time 

 in the water but during storms they take refuge among the rocks along the 

 beach. The sea otter walks clumsily on land and early fur hunters took 

 advantage of this fact to hunt them with clubs at favorite hauling-out 

 places in stormy weather „ 



The large, flat molar teeth of the sea otter are distinctivej differ- 

 ing greatly from the sharply pointed molars of seals and sea-lions. 



Many sea otters are exceptionally tractable and will take food from 

 the hand within a few minutes after capture. Such animals seem almost 

 oblivious to human presence. 



Vocal soimds vary from the harsh kitten-like mewing of the pup to 

 the grunts, growls, and high pitched shrieks of the adults. 



