The Sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a large otter native to the North Pacific. With long, streamlined bodies, sea otters are built for life at sea. They have exceptionally thick brown fur to assist in retaining heat. Underneath each powerful front paw is a pouch of skin used to temporarily store food collected during extended dives to the bottom.
The front paws also have retractable claws, while the hind flippers are long & broadly flattened and webbed. They have specially adapted spinal columns and bone structures to allow great flexibility. Sometimes the bones will be dyed pale violet from eating purple sea urchins.
See some amazing pictures and learn more about the various different species you will see when you visit.
Adopt an otter from Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and help us to continue our work caring for these beautiful creatures
