SEA OTTERS VS RIVER OTTERS
SEA OTTERS VS RIVER OTTERS While river otters and sea otters might appear similar at first glance, the two exhibit many striking differences beyond their aquatic habitats . Although the term sea otter refers to only one species— Enhydra lutris — river otter applies to multiple species in the genus Lontra , which includes the well-known North American river otter ( L. canadensis ), as well as otters of the genera Aonyx , Hydrictis , Lutra , Lutrogale , and Pteronura . Sea otters and the various river otters are all members of the weasel family, Mustelidae . 1. Habitat and Geographical Range: Where Do Otters Live? Sea Otters: Geographical Range: Sea otters ( Enhydra lutris ) inhabit the northern Pacific Ocean, stretching from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to the central California coast. Preferred Habitats: Coastal waters — especially those abundant in kelp forests — a...