Sea Otters

About

Sea otters are marine mammals belonging to the weasel family, known for their thick fur and small size relative to other marine mammals. They inhabit coastal waters of the northern Pacific, from Japan to California, and are found in kelp beds where they float on their backs, using tools like rocks to open shells. Sea otters primarily feed on marine invertebrates such as sea urchins, crabs, and mollusks, which helps maintain the balance of their ecosystems. As a keystone species, sea otters play a crucial role in preserving kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations. Without sea otters, urchins can overgraze kelp, leading to barren landscapes. Sea otters also contribute to carbon sequestration through the health of these kelp forests. Despite their importance, sea otters face threats from habitat degradation, pollution, and hunting, making conservation efforts essential for their survival and the health of marine ecosystems.