This cute little bugger is a sea otter, Enydra lutris. It’s the largest species of Family Mustelidae (the weasels and allies), but is among the smallest of Alaska’s marine mammal population. They have exceptionally insulated fur and spend much of their time patrolling coastal waters, occasionally heading upstream into the rivers. Up in Anchorage, I saw more than a few in the waters of Turnagain Arm.
This particular individual was spotted on the edge of Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska –along the southern edge of the Kenai Peninsula– on 25 May 2008. I never was able to get a high quality photograph of a sea otter while in Alaska. Most of them are like this — a bit backlit and not too clear. Murky at best. Typically I’d only be able to snag one or two quick shots before losing any close-proximity opportunity. Back in Alaska, I didn’t have a zoom lens capable of photographing them clearly from a distance and when I’d get too close, the otters were predictably quick to dart around and disappear under the water.
For me, they were elusive little carnivores!
~ janson
Filed under: Alaska, Mammals Tagged: Enhydra lutris
