and U.S. Endangered Species Act protection — have helped sea otters rebound. But local populations are still fluctuating, with many declining. Today the species occupies just a tiny fraction of its ...

HABITAT: Sea otters inhabit coastal waters, usually less than half a mile from shore. Their typical haunts include precipitous rocky shores, barrier reefs, tidewater stones, and dense kelp forests.

HAMANAKA, Hokkaido--Sea otters have pupped off Cape Tofutsu here in eastern Hokkaido. Four pairs of mothers and pups have been spotted since the beginning of July, in a community of up to 14 otters.