In maintaining kelp forests, sea otters also help to reduce levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Luckily, sea otter hunting was banned internationally in 1911, and otter populations slowly began to recover. Cancel Unsubscribe. River otters are aquatic mammals. The “seven seas” has been used to describe the world’s great water bodies for a long time. In maintaining kelp forests, sea otters also help to reduce levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). It has short tail and webbed-feet with retractable front claws. 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. Learn all you need to know about Sea Otters with pictures, videos, photos, facts, and news from National Geographic Australia. 3. Baby Sea Otters - Nat Geo Wild HD | National Geographic Documentary Melida Shade. Let's find out about the description, size, lifespan, habitat and much more in Sea Otter Facts for Kids! 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. Loading... Unsubscribe from Melida Shade? Facts About Otters. 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. 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. They hunt alone or in groups, sometimes using coordinated efforts, and must be successful often to meet their daily intake quota. 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. Sea Otter Facts. By Alina Bradford - ... Other facts. Most sea otters … The scientists had made a fascinating discovery—deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Prevention of oil spills and preparation to rescue otters if one happens is a major focus for conservation efforts. 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! That helps keep the populations of these spiny pests in check. Its ears and nostrils are closed down in water. 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. Photo by Bob Winfree, National Park Service. They also realized that an entirely unique ecosystem, including hundreds of new species, existed around the vents. Sea Otter Facts: Families Groups of 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. The sea otter has long whiskers and water-repellent coat that insulates the animal from freezing water. Sea otters are part of the weasel family. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. Fish make up most of the giant otter's diet. California’s southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1977. Currently the southern sea otter population is estimated at just above 3,000 animals.