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A Day in the Life of a Sea Otter
Sea otters spend almost all of their time in the water, whether they're floating along on their backs or diving for clams, fish, and other food on the ocean floor. How do sea otters stay warm if they're always in cold water? Unlike other marine mammals, sea otters don't have a layer of blubber. Instead, they depend on their thick fur for warmth. The key to this fur isn't just in its thick hairs, but in the air bubbles these hairs trap. Without this protective layer of air, the sea otter's fur would be soggy and cold. In order to maintain this layer of air, the sea otter's fur must be constantly combed and cleaned. This is why sea otters spend a lot of time cleaning their fur. Fortunately, the sea otter's flexible spine allows it to bend in all directions to clean those hard-to-reach spots!
OLOGY CARD 204
Series: Animal
sea otter
With its furry coat, friendly face, and playful nature, the sea otter is perhaps one of the most endearing animals in the sea. But these marine mammals are more than cute; they're fascinating creatures with unusual behaviors and great intelligence. Unfortunately, this graceful swimmer was once most valued for its thick fur and was almost hunted to extinction.
Image credits: main image, © Suzi Eszterhas/AGE Fotostock.