18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A Sea Otter caught in the Forest, Tongass National Forest, AK

This Sea Otter was swimming in and amongst the blades of bull kelp, diving occasionally, hunting, and peering at me and my guests in the zodiac. This otter wanted to stay in one place, and rolled in the kelp to anchor herself, conserving energy while the tide swirled around her.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Sitka, Alaska, United States of America
Camera: E-M1MarkII
Copyright: © david jaffe