In 1741 explorers discovered large populations of sea otters and fur seals in the waters around the aleutian islands. the explorers claimed the area for what country

The correct answer is Russia

Russian explorers discovered the area and decided to take it for themselves in order to hunt there and get fur. Through this place they went even westwards into Alaska. This is how Russia got Alaska in its possession before it eventually decided to sell the territory to the United States government. It has belonged to the US ever since.