Sea otters are marine mammals found along the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. These remarkable creatures are among the smallest marine mammals, weighing between 50 and 100 pounds.
Sea otters play a crucial role in their ecosystem as keystone species. They feed primarily on sea urchins, crabs, and other invertebrates, helping to maintain the health of kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations.
Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters don't have blubber for insulation. Instead, they rely on their incredibly dense fur—the thickest of any animal—to stay warm in cold ocean waters. They must eat about 25% of their body weight daily to maintain their body temperature.
These intelligent animals are known for using tools, such as rocks, to crack open shells and access food. They're also highly social and often rest together in groups called rafts.
Sea otters were hunted nearly to extinction for their fur but have made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. Today, they remain a protected species and a symbol of marine conservation success.
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PROTECTING AND SUSTAINING PLANET
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