Sea otters are a common sight along the Monterey coast as they inhabit the nearshore kelp forests. The otters, which were once nearly hunted to extinction, now number just over 2,000 individuals. Sea otters are easily observed on all Monterey Bay Whale Watch trips as they rest within the kelp or feed near the kelp on seastars, crabs, urchins, and abalone. After the otters capture a prey item, they bring it to the surface, place it on their belly while floating on their back, and crack it open with their powerful teeth.
Diet
Preferences Can Depend on Individual Invertebrates (Sea Urchin, Lobsters, Crabs, Clams, Mussels)
Population Status | Monterey
Federally Threatened
Legal Protection
Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Marine Protected Area Act, Endangered Species Act
Threats
Biotoxin (Algal Blooms), Disease, Human Related Loss (Habitat Loss, Climate Change, Disturbance, Entanglement, Harassment, Oil Spills, Pollution, Boat Strikes, Collisions)
Size
4ft (Unisex)
Weight
50 lb (Female)
70 lb (Male)