Mum and Pup Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

It is always great to photograph these, the smallest of marine mammals, as they just look so cute and cuddly. We had seen them on our visit to Alaska where they were “rafted up” in their hundreds.  But this Mum and Pup we spotted while on a cruise with Archipelago Cruises out of Ucluelet on Vancouver Island.

As would be common along the western seaboard they are floating in a kelp bed.  The sequence of shots shows that Mum was holding on to the Pups foot probably for safety.

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

Mum holding on to Pup’s rear foot.

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

Mum holding on to Pup’s rear foot.

Then, although the Pup isn’t small anymore (not short of fully grown by the looks of it) she hauls junior up onto her belly by pulling him up there by his foot / rear leg.

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

Mum pulls Pup onto her belly by rear foot.

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

Mum holds Pup securely while getting into position.

Once the position is achieved, both look happy and relaxed.

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

Pup safely on Mum.

 Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)

Pup snuggles down on Mum safe and sound.

I look forward to more encounters with these charming little marine mammals.

We have to thank Al and Toddy of Archipelago Cruises for such an excellent day – couldn’t have done it without them.  This cruise alone was worth the visit to The Island.

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Gear: Nikon D4s, Nikkor 80.0-400.0mm f/4.5-5.6 VRIII, Nikkor TC-14 EII, Lexar Digital Film, Archipelego Cruise’s 53′ Canoe Cove Motor Yacht

One Response to “Mum and Pup Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris)”

  1. Nancy Mossip says:

    Fantastic pictures Richard. Nancy

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