ALASKA INFORMATION- SEA OTTER- PART 2
In general appearance the sea otter is elongate, possessing a fur that is usually
a very deep blue-black-brown with a lighter colored head ranging in young spcimens
from a tawny, to an olive—buff in mature animals, to a grey in old adults# Some
animals have a reddish-brown fur that is least attractive to the fur trade# The
guard hairs and the fur fibers have a silky texture that is almost alike, and both
possess a very high luster. The guard hairs are frequently grizzled-tipped, creat
ing the appearance of snow lying in the dark fur# The degree to which this appear
ance of snow lying in. the dark fur exists is a prime factor in determing the value
of a pelt*
A sea otter has a broad, rather flattened head, a large triangular nose pad,pro
minent whiskers, shoebutton eyes, and tiny ears that are almost hidden in the fur.
The tail, in a mature specimen, is ten to eleven inches long, markedly flattened,&'
roughly the same width from its base to the tip# A sea otters tail is quite un
like the muscular appendage borne by a land otter#
Sea otters swim quite regularly on their back, a trait very noticeable in females
for the vounq are carried on the parent’s chest or belly while swimming ir* this
position* Suckling is accomplished while the pup is thus carried like cargo on a
® miniature barge# 3oth sexes and all age groups display a decidedly playful disp
osition* The males gather in large, more-or-less compact groups, while the female
tends to be more solitary, occupied as they are with caring for the young.
Sea otters inhabit waters along rocky coasts where large areas of kelp occur*.#.
They tend to greatest abundance in such of these areas where tidal currents and
wave movements exist# This may be due to the greater abundance in such areas of
the food animals that are.in turn dependent on ocean currents to bring their food.
Otters seek shelter for rest near these food sources in coves and bays and on off
shore rocks, going forth periodically to forage.
For protection from the .cold water of its habitat the sea otter is soley depend
ent on its lustrous fur* One of the prime activities, aside from eating and sleep
ing is to maintain the cleanliness and conditioning of the fur# This is accomplish
ed by an almost incessant rubbing and kneading of the skin and fur. This is so
pronounced that unwary human observers assume the animals to be parasite infested
and a vicarious itching is induced* The results are that most observers are pres
ently vigorously scratching themselves. Sea otters are not, however, infested with
extoparasites#
Food is gathered underwater by picking the food aniijials off -rocks where' they are
attached. This is accomplished by the strong, facile forepaws armed with retract
ile claws#- A dozen or more sea urchins or other items are commonly carried at one
time tucked under a foreleg and paw# The otter appears from beneath the surface
with this bundle of food and leisurely proceeds to devour it while floating atease
on his back# While so engaged, the shells and bits of food that fall onto the an
imals chest are- washed off from time to time by a quick revolution in the water &
feeding is resumed. '• •
Sea otters are among the most unwary animals and fortunately have no effective
predators# In rare instances eagles take otter pups? and killer whales, present
in "the Chain”, are capable.of predation on sea otters of all age groups. Early
writers described both the seal and sea lion as sea otter predators but present
day observers have been unable to corroborate this assertion. It remained for
man and his desire for furs to decimate the otter’s ranks.
NEXT WEEK ”BIRDS" OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ALASKA