Sea Otters live in coastal waters, estuaries. Use flat, webbed hind feet to swim at 5 mph. Forage for food using dexterous front paws, highly sensitive noses. Prey’s sea snails, mussels, crabs, clams, abalone, sea urchins.
As predators, Sea Otters are critical to maintain balance of near-shore kelp eco-systems. Without Sea Otters, sea urchins would devour kelp forests off coast that provide cover, food for marine animals. Reduce levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
Sea Otters are listed as endangered species. Vulnerable to natural predators like sharks, availability of prey, entanglement in commercial fishing gear, oil spills, contaminants, disease, malnourishment. Hunted for both food, luxuriant fur.
We can protect local Sea Otters crossing country roads with crossing signs, slow speed zones. Installing wildlife cameras, technical surveillance may help. Pro-actively raising awareness, education programs will be useful