sea otters (Enhydra lutris)

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are marine mammals renowned for their dense fur, which provides insulation in cold ocean waters. They are highly skilled foragers, primarily feeding on sea urchins, crabs, and mollusks, and play a vital role in maintaining healthy kelp forest ecosystems by controlling sea urchin populations. Sea otters are social animals, often resting and grooming in groups called rafts. They are also known for their playful behavior and use of tools, such as rocks, to crack open food. As a threatened species, they are protected by conservation efforts due to past overhunting for their fur.