Sea otters are known as one of the largest members of the weasel family, Mustelidae, but are one of the smallest marine mammals. Unlike most marine mammals, who have blubber that serve as a thermal insulator, sea otters have fur. Their fur is one of the densest, softest furs in the animal kingdom--that is also water-resistant. They are omnivores with a diet consisting of crabs, abalone, sea stars, squid, sea urchins, sea worms and around 40 other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Furthermore, to support their high metabolic rate, sea otters must eat about 25% of their body weight a day. Sea otters forage for food at the bottom of the sea and can dive up to around 300 feet. They primarily live in the water and can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes.
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In the wild, females have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years and males 10 to 15 years.They are polygynous, meaning males mate with many females, with gestation periods of approximately 6 months; mating occurs throughout the year. Sea otters are known as a keystone species as they help to keep the kelp ecosystems in balance, which serve as a home for many marine species. On the other hand, kelp helps in regulating carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and coastal ecosystems. Oil spills are known as the greatest threat to sea otter as the oil binds to their fur and evidently, lose their thermoregulation
In the wild, females have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years and males 10 to 15 years.They are polygynous, meaning males mate with many females, with gestation periods of approximately 6 months; mating occurs throughout the year. Sea otters are known as a keystone species as they help to keep the kelp ecosystems in balance, which serve as a home for many marine species. On the other hand, kelp helps in regulating carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and coastal ecosystems. Oil spills are known as the greatest threat to sea otter as the oil binds to their fur and evidently, lose their thermoregulation