Marine mammal

Sea otter

Enhydra lutris

Kelp forests, rocky coasts, and sheltered estuaries

Photo: Marshal Hedin · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source and license. Displayed as a resized crop. Photograph illustrates the species.

Habitat: Kelp forests, rocky coasts, and sheltered estuaries
Viewing zone: Surface; forages below
Viewing activities: Offshore · Beach / tidepool

Field context

Temperate coastal waters, often kelp forests over rocky or soft bottoms; commonly prefers water up to 30 m deep.

Observing responsibly

Beach/tidepool refers to observation from shore. Keep enough distance that resting or feeding behavior does not change.

When to look

The available records do not establish a reliable local viewing season. Use the map’s month filter to inspect dated observations; it does not predict an encounter.

WHERE HAS IT BEEN RECORDED?

Explore the featured regions

These dated records show past presence. They do not establish today’s abundance, guarantee a sighting, or describe the species’ entire range.

This reference profile does not have a matching record in the four featured snapshots. That is not evidence of absence. Explore the live map for other areas and records.