S  E  A     O  T  T  E  R  S

How do California Sea Otters survive in cold ocean water?  Their impressively thick fur helps, but their sebaceous glands also secrete squalene.  Squalene creates an insulating barrier between cold water and the otter's skin.

Otters also have other adaptations that make them well suited to their marine environments.  Their flexible spinal columns and large lungs help them forage for food during their dives to the ocean bottom.  And their front paws even have a handy extra pouch of skin for storing the food they find on their quests. Otters also have excellent eyesight and can see clearly both above and below water.

California Sea Otters are at high risk from toxoplasmosis.  To learn what you can do to help protect the otters of Morro bay, click here.   

   N  E  W  S  L  E  T  T  E  R

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The Klamath Basin - USA
Up to a thousand bald eagles can gather in the Klamath Basin of Oregon and California during winter months.  Eagle numbers at this birding hotspot peak in mid-February, coinciding with the annual  Klamath Basin Winter Wings Festival

Piedras Blancas Beach - USA
Head to Piedras Blancas Beach near San Simeon, California in January to watch adult male elephant seals battle for dominance.  Pregnant females also arrive during winter months.

Alaskan Brown Bears

Birds of the Texas Coast

California Sea Otters

Northern Elephant Seals

Oregon Coast

Wildlife of Malheur NWR

See a complete list of slideshows at:
Wildlifehotspots.com