Enhydra lutris

Sea otters are known for their playful and social behavior. They are often seen floating on their backs in the water, using their front paws to manipulate food or clean their fur. They are skilled swimmers and can dive to significant depths in search of prey.

Sea otters typically give birth to a single pup, although twins can occur. Their reproductive cycles are influenced by environmental conditions and food availability. Mothers are highly devoted to raising their young, and pups are born with a dense fur coat to keep them warm in cold water.

Sea otters have dense fur that provides excellent insulation against cold water. They are the smallest marine mammal species, with adult individuals weighing between 30 to 100 pounds (13 to 45 kilograms). They have webbed feet for efficient swimming and use tools like rocks and shells to open shellfish, their primary food source.

Sea otters have a history of exploitation by the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, which led to significant declines in their populations. Conservation efforts and international protections have helped populations recover in some areas.

The status of sea otter populations varies by region. In some areas, such as Alaska and parts of California, sea otters have made a successful recovery and are no longer considered endangered. However, in other regions, they may still face threats from habitat degradation, pollution, and oil spills.