8 



NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA 68 



Figure 2. — Front feet of the sea otter. In the relaxed position the claws are 

 retracted {A and B). The claws are extended (C and D) during feeding 

 when food is grasped and, with the help of the teeth, torn into small bite- 

 sized chunks. Much grooming is done with the claws retracted, but occa- 

 sionally during this activity they may be extended. Note that the third and 

 fourth digits are closely joined. The paws are highly sensitive. When an 

 otter grasps a human finger between its forepaws, the mobile digits can 

 be felt moving like fingers inside a mitten. (KWK 64-1-8) 



