Jan 6, 2015 · California sea otters (Enhydra lutris) — the frolicking mascots of the coast who draw visitors to aquariums in droves and who float among the kelp beds just beyond the surf line — have the densest fur of any mammal on Earth.

Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otter's primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the densest in the animal kingdom. Although it can walk on land, the sea otter is capable of living exclusively in the ocean. The sea otter inhabits nearshore environments, where it dives to the sea floor to forage.

Mar 3, 2025 · The fur of a sea otter is truly extraordinary, making it one of the most fascinating and unique features in the animal kingdom. In short, sea otter fur is characterized by its exceptional density, its two-layered structure, and its remarkable water-resistance.

May 11, 2021 · Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters do not have a blubber layer to help keep them warm in the chilled waters of the Pacific. Instead of blubber, sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal. Their fur is so dense, there are about a …

Oct 1, 2022 · Their fur is essential for the sea otter for several reasons, namely for staying warm, but also for staying afloat. Keep reading to learn more about sea otters and their fur!

Mar 21, 2025 · Otter fur is nothing short of extraordinary, possessing characteristics that set it apart from nearly every other animal on Earth. Primarily, the most significant fact about otter fur is its unparalleled density.

1 day ago · Their fur traps air and creates an insulating layer, but it needs to stay clean and fluffed to work properly, so these sea otters spend a lot of time grooming. The river otters' freshwater environment gives them easier access to drinking water and allows more flexibility in how they live and hunt compared to their ocean-dwelling cousins.

Like other mammals, otters have two types of fur: long, stout guard hairs, and a more dense arrangement of short, fine underhairs. Fur length varies considerably with the species.

Otters have the densest fur of any animal— as many as a million hairs per square inch in places. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints.

Sea otters have two layers of incredibly dense fur, more than a million fibers per square inch. Outer guard hairs are around 1 1/3 inches long and when properly groomed lay flat against the body.