* North America:
* Alaska: Along the entire coastline, including the Aleutian Islands.
* California: From Monterey Bay north to the Oregon border.
* Washington state: A small, reintroduced population along the coast.
* Russia:
* Kamchatka Peninsula: Along the eastern coast.
* Kuril Islands: Stretching south from Kamchatka to Hokkaido, Japan.
* Sakhalin Island: Off the coast of eastern Russia.
Sea otters prefer shallow, sheltered waters with ample amounts of kelp forests and seagrass beds. These areas provide:
* Food sources: Kelp forests and seagrass beds are rich in invertebrates and small fish, which are the primary food sources for sea otters.
* Shelter and protection: Kelp forests offer protection from predators, such as sharks and killer whales.
* Nursery grounds: The dense kelp forests provide safe spaces for mothers to raise their pups.
However, sea otters are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including:
* Rocky shorelines: Where they forage on crabs, mussels, and other invertebrates.
* Estuaries: Where they find a mix of freshwater and saltwater environments.
* Open water: Where they occasionally venture to hunt for fish.
Despite their adaptability, sea otters are sensitive to habitat degradation and pollution. Their survival relies heavily on the health and integrity of their coastal ecosystems.