Endangered Species Guide : Mammals : Animal Planet

Endangered Mammals

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SEA OTTER (Enhydra lutris)

Compared to other otters, the sea otter is smaller and stouter. It has several anatomical adaptations to an aquatic existence, including large lungs, very thick fur, a powerful tail and flipper-like hind feet. It is the world's smallest marine mammal. Once widespread in coastal waters throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean, sea otter populations have declined dramatically in recent years, possibly because of predation or poaching.

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IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Oil spills
Habitat: Coastal waters
Location: Eastern Pacific Ocean
Diet: Marine invertebrates, such as crabs, octopus and sea urchins

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