Sea otters are one of the most beloved animals in the world. Their adorable faces, playful personalities, and fluffy fur make them a favorite of many. In this article, we will explore eight fun and surprising facts about these lovable creatures that are sure to put a smile on your face.

1. Sea otters are one of the few animals that use tools.

Sea otters have been observed using rocks to crack open clams and other shellfish. They will grab a rock from the ocean floor and use it to smash the shellfish open. This behavior is a rare example of tool use in animals and demonstrates the intelligence of sea otters.

2. They hold hands while sleeping.

Sea otters often sleep while floating on their backs. To keep from drifting away from each other while asleep, they will hold hands with other sea otters or anchor themselves to kelp.

3. Sea otters have an incredibly dense fur coat.

Sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal, with up to one million hairs per square inch. This helps keep them warm in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean.

4. They are social animals.

Sea otters are very social animals and spend much of their time grooming each other. They will also hold hands while floating on their backs to stay together in groups known as rafts.

5. Sea otters are excellent swimmers.

Sea otters are built for life in the water, with webbed feet and a streamlined body. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes and can dive down to depths of 60 feet.

6. They can eat up to 25% of their body weight in a day.

Sea otters need to eat a lot to maintain their high metabolism and keep warm in cold waters. They will consume up to 25% of their body weight in food each day, mainly consisting of shellfish and other marine invertebrates.

7. Sea otters are a keystone species.

As a keystone species, sea otters play a crucial role in the ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean. They keep the populations of sea urchins and other shellfish in check, preventing them from overgrazing on kelp forests and damaging the ecosystem.

8. They are an endangered species.

Despite their popularity, sea otters are an endangered species due to hunting, habitat loss, and oil spills. At the height of the fur trade in the 1800s, the sea otter population was reduced to just a few thousand individuals. Today, there are around 100,000 sea otters in the wild, with most living along the coast of Alaska.

In conclusion, sea otters are fascinating animals that have captured the hearts of people around the world. Their intelligence, social behavior, and adorable appearance make them a joy to learn about and observe in the wild. We must do all we can to protect these precious creatures and ensure that they continue to thrive in our oceans.