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The otter animal is a carnivorous mammal from the mustelidae family and comes from the genus species Enhydra lutris.

The Sea otter animal can be found in coastal areas in the North Pacific Ocean, or in Alaska, on the coast, to include the Aleutian and Commander Islands. California is home to sea otters as well and they are mostly seen in the Half Moon Bay to Pt. Conception areas. Obviously, as they are land and sea animals, they are found in coastal areas only.

California has done a wonderful job of protecting and bringing awareness to the otter animal population. The Monterey Bay Aquarium boasts a beautiful and large tank for 2 to 3 otters that were orphaned and brought to the aquarium where they have been raised from birth. The rescue of this very entertaining sea otter has opened up doors to many opportunities for the community, the aquarium, for scientists and researchers alike, and also for the sea otter animal. Any study done on the otter animal can only serve to improve the chance of survival for this lovely animal on the brink of extinction.

The otter animal is considered endangered and the numbers of otter animal counts have declined through the years. The good news is that the research and efforts on the part of many great fans of the otter animal can only contribute to the wellbeing and preservation of the species.

The California population is smaller than that of its Alaskan relatives, counting with roughly about 2,200-2,800 sea otters. The California otter animal differs from its relatives, not only in numbers, but in size and in their sense of adventure. The Alaskan otter animal is slightly larger and seems to venture out mote than the one kilometer or so that the California otter animal ranges. In both the Alaskan and California otter, the male is larger and reaches sexual maturity at 5 to 6 years, whereas the female is mature at age 4.

The otter animal can live to be around 15 years of age, and in captivity and well cared for, they have documented to have lived in excess of 20 years of age.

One of the most interesting features of the otter animal is its fur. Most animals living in cold waters such as the northern California coastline, and the Alaskan coastline, have a lot of blubber and insulation to coat them and protect them from the harsh cold. Instead, the sea otter relies on a combination of natural oils which repel water and trap tiny air bubbles that serve as an “outer layer” of protection, and somewhat like insulation. They also have the densest of furs that is fine, soft, and ultra warm. It is said that there are an estimated 650,000 hairs per square inch on an otter’s body. Having beautiful hair doesn’t come easy, not even for the otter who spends approximately half of his awake time grooming himself.

Another difference between the otter animal in Alaska and the otter animal on the California coastline, is that the Californian otter spends most of his time in the water, whereas the Alaskan otter animal spends most of his time on land.

Any effort made to preserve and protect the life of this otter animal is essential and worthwhile. If you have ever had the opportunity of observing one of these lovely creatures up close, you’ll definitely understand why.

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