The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but, in some locations, comes ashore to sleep or rest. Most sea otters … But there are actually about 50 water formations that can be called a “sea,” and they are quite diverse when it comes to their size, location, and ecosystems. Prevention of oil spills and preparation to rescue otters if one happens is a major focus for conservation efforts. That helps keep the populations of these spiny pests in check. Sea Otter Facts. By Alina Bradford - ... Other facts. Resource Library | Video Sniffing Out Otter Behavior National Geographic photographer Charlie Hamilton James creates an experiment to test if the river otters near his home can smell underwater. Sea otters are part of the weasel family. They have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. When otters dive, they seal their ears and nose. Currently the southern sea otter population is estimated at just above 3,000 animals. Warm air trapped in a sea otter’s fur keeps them warm in chilly waters. They take advantage of any slippery slope for fun, whether it's a summer slide down a muddy hill or a winter thrill on snow and ice. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. The scientists had made a fascinating discovery—deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Photo by Bob Winfree, National Park Service. Luckily, sea otter hunting was banned internationally in 1911, and otter populations slowly began to recover. Facts About Otters. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. Baby Sea Otters - Nat Geo Wild HD | National Geographic Documentary Melida Shade. River otters are aquatic mammals. The sea otter has long whiskers and water-repellent coat that insulates the animal from freezing water. Sea otters play a vital role in the health and stability of the nearshore marine ecosystem as a keystone species Loading... Unsubscribe from Melida Shade? In maintaining kelp forests, sea otters also help to reduce levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). They wondered how deep-ocean temperatures could change so drastically—from near freezing to 400 °C (750 °F)—in such a short distance. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. Sea otters are a ‘keystone species’ within kelp forests, maintaining the balance in the food web between kelp and sea urchins, allowing the forests to thrive. Sea Otter Facts: Families Groups of sea otters … A sea otter snoozes on its back -- showing its hind legs, tail and webbed feet, which make otters great swimmers. Sliding and wrestling, belly flopping, and somersaulting, river otters really know how to play! Sea otters often float at the water's surface in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, and entangle themselves to keep from moving in the rolling sea. Sea Otter Facts: Families Groups of sea otters … Resource Library | Video Sniffing Out Otter Behavior National Geographic photographer Charlie Hamilton James creates an experiment to test if the river otters near his home can smell underwater. Let's find out about the description, size, lifespan, habitat and much more in Sea Otter Facts for Kids! Its ears and nostrils are closed down in water. Sea otters are a ‘keystone species’ within kelp forests, maintaining the balance in the food web between kelp and sea urchins, allowing the forests to thrive. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. They also realized that an entirely unique ecosystem, including hundreds of new species, existed around the vents. California’s southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1977. A live sea otter finds sanctuary in the Homer boat harbour in Alaska. The “seven seas” has been used to describe the world’s great water bodies for a long time. The small geographic ranges of the sea otter populations in California, Washington, and British Columbia mean a single major spill could be catastrophic for that state or province. Learn all you need to know about Sea Otters with pictures, videos, photos, facts, and news from National Geographic Australia. 3. It has short tail and webbed-feet with retractable front claws. Cancel Unsubscribe. In fact, when sea otter populations plummeted in the 1700 and 1800s—they were once hunted almost to extinction for their beautiful pelts—kelp forests suffered greatly.