In nature some mothers are better than others, and Sea Otters are really quite great.  It’s amazing to see them carrying around their pups on their tummy for the first few months of their lives, and keeping them warm, dry and safe.

With Sea Otters, the fathers aren’t involved, they are polygynous and mate with multiple females, and do not participate with caring for the offspring. In addition to working to keep themselves warm, they need to spend hours licking and fluffing their pups coats to help the pups stay warm.  They are also solely responsible for feeding their pups, who nurse on their mothers milk for the first four to six months of their life.

This image is copyright © Terri Shaddick, if you are interested in using or purchasing this image, or any other images on my site, contact Terri Shaddick at [email protected].

Taken: August 8, 2016
Location: Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

Camera: Canon EOS 1DX
Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x III Extender
Focal Length: 700mm
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 250
Exposure: 1/1000