Sea Otters of Alaska

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris) can often be seen floating just offshore in many places along Alaska's vast shoreline. They enjoy the shallow coastal waters of 120 ft. or less. Ninety percent of the world's population of otters can be found in the waters off the Alaskan coast. 

In Alaska they feed mostly on sea urchins, mussels, crabs, limpets and fish. They are the smallest marine mammals. A great spot to view these animals is off the shore in places such as Whittier, Seward and the Aleutian Island chain. They are also seen frequenting the bodies of water farther inland near Anchorage. 

Sea otters spend most of their life in the water. They float together in clumps called rafts. Although the Alaskan waters are very cold year-round, sea otters rely on their thick fur to stay warm as they have no blubber like seals and whales. 

Try to spot a "raft" of otters on your next Alaskan sea adventure!

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