BC identifies this as a rare otter whose fur is expensive. It is jet black but changes colour. Otters typically found in saltwater in the area are river otters, sq'eetl', which have taken over the niche of the decimated sea otter.
tumus
təməs
Noun
sea otter
Details
Ethnobiological notes
Sea otters are large marine otters that live almost entirely in the sea. They were once more abundant than now, but were reduced in numbers during the fur trade era. Their pelts are extremely dense and luxurious. Sea otters primarily feed upon sea urchins and molluscs.