Playing Alaska Style

Isn't this sea otter adorable?

We were delighted when we arrived in Seward, Alaska on July 14th to see two sea otters swimming just off shore.  We were under their spell for quite awhile while hubby took these photos.  Update:  Nan of Retired in Alaska thinks this may be a Mommy with her Baby!

The sea otter is the largest member of the Mustelidae, or weasel family, and the only one which lives almost entirely in the water.

Sea otter fur is the finest of any mammal. Sea otters depend on these hairs to keep them warm while in the water. If a sea otter’s fur becomes soiled with foreign substances such as oil, the sea otter will not be able to keep itself insulated. Consequently, sea otters spend much of their time cleaning and grooming their fur.  

Otters usually swim on their backs but have been known to swim on their stomachs while traveling. Sea otters will only eat while they are floating, but may also groom, rest, and nurse their young. It is also common for sea otters to wrap themselves in kelp beds when resting or sleeping.

This is the road where we saw the sea otters.  That's the town of Seward in the background.  The mountains surround the town.  It is just beautiful.

I added this photo I think Nan is right...this sure looks like a baby resting on her Mommy's lap!

Another added photo:  This is a baby sleeping on her Mommy's lap!!!

Seward is the first coastal city we visited in Alaska during our visit this summer.  So stay tuned for more posts on coastal Alaska coming down the pike.  

Sandy at Teacup Lane