How is the California sea otter different than the Alaska sea otter?
The California sea otter, or southern sea otter, and the Alaskan sea otter, or northern sea otter, are genetically distinct subspecies. Besides this genetic difference there are some behavioral and physical differences. The Alaskan sea otter can be slightly larger than California sea otters. The Alaskan sea otters eat more fish and haul out on land more often than do the California sea otters. And, finally, it has been observed that raft sizes in Alaska can sometimes include hundreds of animals. In California, these raft sizes are considerably smaller.
