The Sea Otter

Almost hunted to extinction for their thick, luxurious fur, the sea otter remains threatened on the “Species at Risk “ Act in Canada even today. Add to the equation that the foods they eat are also considered delicacies by humans and thus seen as competition, thereby another reason for some to try and eradicate them.

Re–introduced to Alaska and British Columbia in particular, Vancouver Island in the early 1970’s, the northern sea otter is now thought to have a population of 2500 to 5000. A species is considered endangered if their population numbers 2500 or less.

Sea otters are a keystone species. By keeping the sea urchin population in check they are preventing the loss of kelp forests that are imperative to a healthy coastal ecosystem.

Sea otters use rocks to break the shells of their prey, all the while floating on their backs. They like to anchor themselves on floating kelp and sometimes do so in large groups, side by side, creating large rafts. They also have pouches under their paws to tuck away sea urchins, crabs and other delicacies while foraging underwater, like a shopping bag.

Unlike the river otter, sea otters live mostly in the water. Their natural predators are primarily Transient Orca and Sea Lions.

Sea otters only live about 15 – 20 years. They weigh anywhere between 13 and 45 kg (30 – 100 lbs).

Like river otters and other closely related mammals, they have an amazingly special reproductive system called delayed implantation, where the egg, once fertilized enters a dormant stage and only develops once environmental conditions are favorable. Pregnancy then occurs with gestation lasting 4-5 months

To see these different and amazing creatures in their natural habitat from a kayak is the only true non-invasive way of viewing them. They can be found in large groups in Queen Charlotte Strait area.