OTTEES. 127 



legs are set on in such a way that they present a 

 curious resemblance to the nippers of the seal. 



Indeed, so strongly marked is the similitude, that 

 several systematic zoologists have considered that the 

 Otters form, through this species, a transitional link 

 between the weasels and the seals. 



Although it is popularly called the Sea Otter, it 

 does not restrict itself to the sea, but passes a migra- 

 tory existence. It inhabits the shores of the Northern 

 Pacific, and as the winter cold of that locality is very 

 severe, the rivers and lakes are frozen for a consider- 

 able portion of the year, so that no Otter could live if it 

 were dependent on fresh water. 



During the warmer seasons of the year, the Sea 

 Otter inhabits the inland lakes, and feeds upon the 

 fresh-water fish. When, however, the frosts of winter 

 begin to approach, the Otter is led by instinct to leave 

 the lakes and descend the rivers until it reaches the 

 sea. Here it is sure of obtaining food, and here it 

 remains until the summer's sun has broken up the ice 

 of the fresh water, when it returns to its former 

 locality. In default of fish, it can feed upon Crustacea 

 and molluscs, its powerful teeth enabling it to crush 

 even the hard aud strong shells with which the greater 

 number of marine molluscs are protected. 



As is the case with the seal, and particularly with 

 those species that are confined to northern climates, 

 the Sea Otter is furnished with very thick and warm 

 fur. This fur is doubly valuable firstly, because it is 

 very soft in texture and rich in colour ; and, secondly, 

 because the animal is a rare one, and not easily cap- 

 tured when discovered. 



