In the past sea otters were found in near shore waters around the North Pacific Rim from Hokkaido, Japan, through the marine coastal areas of the Russian Far East and the Pacific coastal areas in the United States as far south as Baja, California. Sea otters have the thickest fur in the animal kingdom. Unlike other marine mammals, the sea otter does not have a layer of blubber (fat) to keep it warm. It is the largest member of the weasel family. Southern sea otters grow to about four feet in length. Females weigh around 45 pounds (20 kilos) and males 65 pounds (29.5 kilos). Northern sea otters can be much heavier and reach up to 100 pounds (45 kilos).

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