What Are Predators of Sea Otters?

The killer whale has only recently become a serious sea otter predator.

Sea otters are marine mammals found on the coasts of the Pacific ocean. While they spend most of their time in the water, they regularly come to shore. Whether on land or on water, sea otters are vulnerable. While sea otter pups are more vulnerable than adult sea otters, there are many predators that menace this species.

Killer Whales

According to Animal Diversity Web, low numbers in the seal and seal lion populations have caused killer whales to start pursuing sea otters. The sea otter is significantly smaller than the seal and sea lions that comprise the killer whale's normal prey, but the lack of suitable prey animals caused the killer whale to take notice. Sea otters usually hide from killer whales in kelp forests, which are dense enough that the killer whale cannot follow them. They may also try to flee to shallower water, where the killer whale would ground itself.

Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are predatory birds that hunt by sight, and they can sweep in from great heights to pluck fish or other animals out of the water. They are especially dangerous to sea otter pups, as they are smaller and easier for the bald eagles to drag out of the water. The Bald Eagle Info website states that the lifting capacity of a bald eagle is about four pounds. This means that they can handily pick up a sea otter pup, though they are unlikely to bother with an adult, which can weigh up to 99 pounds.

Coyotes

Coyotes that range near the water's edge may be able to pick off sea otter pups that drift away from their mothers. While mother sea otters will defend their young, they must also leave their young alone to dive for food. When the pups are vulnerable, coyotes may kill and eat them.

Great White Sharks

Great white sharks, also known as great whites, tend to kill sea otters, though they do not always eat them. According to Otternet, there is a chance that the great white shark has mistaken the sea otter, which floats at the top of the water, for a seal.

Bears

Bears will come down to the water's edge to fish, but they will also kill and eat sea otters if they can catch them. Typically, bears end up eating sea otter pups that have been left unattended by their mothers.

References

• National Geographic: Sea Otters
• Animal Diversity Web: Enhydra lutris
• Davidson College: Predator/Prey Interactions
• Bald Eagle Info: A Bald Eagle's Diet and Feeding Habits
• Defenders of Wildlife: Sea Otter Frequently Asked Questions