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Few would argue that one of the cutest sea mammals around are Sea Otters. Whether they’re grooming, using tools to crack open shellfish to eat or just warming themselves in the sun Sea Otters seem to have an eternally cute appearance. As Sea Otters rest in rafts you never know what pose they might take. The rare combination is the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” pose between neighboring o

Fast food has an altogether different meaning for Sea Otters. Voracious they’re almost always hunting and clams are among their favorite quick meals. This photo was captured shortly after the clam was pounded with a rock… a common sight to see. Sea Otters make fast work of shellfish, so shortly after this the hunt was on for another meal. In all the time I’ve been photographing Sea Otters this was o

The only time California Sea Otters seem to take a break from eating is when they’re resting in a raft. While sea otters will eat independently they will cluster together when they rest. This photo is a perfect example of this behavior.  Joining in a raft provides them the ability to groom, sleep and warm their hands in feet. As you finish eating your Thanksgiving dinner this weekend make like the Sea Otters

Sea Otter and Sleeping Pup (Enhydra lutris) The innocence of youth California Sea Otter style. This very young pup seemed to have found a save and comfy spot to sleep on a cold morning in Monterey, California. It’s always impressive to see how strong the mothering instincts are for Sea Otters. The females will swim constantly to ensure their pups are a safe distance from any potential threat. This particular ph

In December during my last Sea Otter Photo Tour we witnessed some very rare Sea Otter behavior. We witnessed not just once, but twice a Sea Otter attacking a Western Grebe and then eating it. This is very unusual behavior as Sea Otters normally eat shellfish like crabs and clams. The boat captain that took us out had noted an attack he witnessed earlier in the morning and that he hadn’t seen anything like it in

Participants Gallery From Past Trips My next Sea Otter Photo Tour is just under 30 days away and there are only a few spots left. We had a blast last time and with the chance of seeing pups this time around those in attendance are likely to have an even more memorable time. Photographed way in the back of the photo on the left is Eliya Selhub who had such a great time he’s making it out a 2nd time and had this

5 more weeks to go before my next Sea Otter Photo Tour on December 13th. If you’re on the fence whether you should attend or not… take the plunge. We had a great time the last time this was held. Check out the photos taken by those in attendance in the participants gallery.  Photos aside I got a charge personally from seeing everyone so in awe of the wildlife including Sea Otters, Terns, Pelicans, and a

This months Sea Otter Photo Tour in Monterey was such a success that I’ve opened another for mid-December. Around this time of year it is possible to catch sight of pups. If we’re lucky we might see a couple. Unlike the last tour this one will be on a Saturday and will be a late afternoon – sunset trip. If you missed the last outing (see the highlight photos) be sure to make this one.  Sea Otter Ph