The sea otter, Enhydra lutris, is a member of the weasel family that grows to about 3.5 feet (1 m) in length, with a 14- inch (35 cm) tail. It will weigh up to 80 pounds (36 kg). It has webbed hind feet that are broadened into flippers, and its forefeet are useful for grasping. Sea otters are found along the shores of the North Pacific. They sleep and eat floating on their backs. They are known to crack clams with a rock to get at the meat inside. Overhunted for their fur, sea otters were near extermination. They now are protected by international treaty.