Pet Profile: Everything You Want To Know About Sea Otters

Some basic fun facts and information about the adorable sea otter.

Now that we have officially entered the month of May and the summer season is only a few weeks away, it is time to start thinking about all of the exciting adventures that you are planning for this summer. Whether you prefer to spend your long, hot  days soaking up the sun next to the pool, or you like heading out to the dog park with your furry friend for a fun afternoon, there is no shortage of activities to choose from if you are looking to plan out a fun adventure this summer season.

However, when it comes to fun, relaxing summer activities, there is one thing in particular that many people enjoy taking part in as soon as the weather turns warm―going for a swim. If you live near a local pool or beach, then you may understand just why this activity can be so much fun on a long, hot day. But, you may not be the only who enjoys this water activity.

There are many different types of animals and species all across the world that enjoy splashing around in the water and cooling off in the lake just as much as we humans do. In fact, one adorable animal in particular simply can’t seem to get enough of the water―the sea otter.

Not only are sea otters fun creatures to watch if you catch them off the coast, flipping and floating around the water, but they are also highly intelligent creatures. However, because many people do not know much about sea otters, we are spending this week’s Pet Profile article sharing everything you could ever want to know about otters, along with some fun facts that will tech you a little something along the way.

Behavior

Sea otters are social animals who typically float together in groups, called rafts, and often live in shallow coastal waters off of the northern Pacific. They are the only mammals other than primates, birds and a few others that know and understand how to use complicated tools. For instance, many otters will use small rocks or other objects in order to pry open shellfish that they collect from rocks and to hammer them open.

Appearance

One of the many reasons why people adore this wonderful creature is because their appearance is just so darn cute. Sea otters have long, flat tails and webbed hind feet which allows them to swim perfectly in the water―an important task since the majority of their time is spent in the water. Sea otter fur is also the finest of any mammal, consisting of 850,000 to 1 million hairs per square inch. These hairs not only protect them against outside dangers such as chemicals and oils, but it also helps to ensure that they are warm while in the water.

Miscellaneous Fun Facts:

• The Sea Otter is the only species that doesn’t have a muscle in the tail. The others use it as a powerful weapon and to navigate their movements in the water.
• The sea otter can live its entire life without leaving the water.
• The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. They gorge on more than 100 different prey species.
• To keep from drifting apart while they snooze, sea otters often sleep holding paws.

Do you know any more fun facts about sea otters that we may have missed? Be sure to let us know about them in the comments below.

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