Sea Otters are a delight to watch in their natural habitat, they will often groom each other and play with one another. They can be found floating on their backs or diving for food.. The population is estimated at about 100 000 individuals but it's hard to know because many sea otters do not come ashore, so we don't see them very much!
Sea otters are often called "sea weasels." For good reason, as they look a lot like a weasel that gets into the water! They have long bodies and short legs. Underneath their body is thick brown fur which traps air to keep them warm in cold water. Each hair on their coats acts as a tiny trap for air bubbles, making it easy for sea otters to stay afloat. Each hair also has an invisible oil coating that prevents water from touching the skin underneath. This allows them to come up to the surface without getting waterlogged and drowning .
Because sea otters sleep on land but mate and give birth in the water, males need some special adaptations.
106,822
Endangered (EN)
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