Sea Otter-People: The Coastal Marine Guardians

Some people have commented that just looking at us improves their mood and puts a smile on their face. How about we give it a try to see if that’s true? First, we’ll watch one sea otter-person’s daily facial routine.

We are one of 13 otter species currently on Earth. Our generic name, Enhydra, comes from Greek and means “in the water.” Indeed, we are aquatic mammals and some of the smallest ones. On the other hand, sea otter folk are the heaviest members of the taxonomic family Mustelidae, which includes weasel- and beaver-people.

Let’s discuss our body’s ingenious design. Our most significant adaptation to living in the ocean is our ability to float. But the faculty we rely on most for external perception is touch. Our long whiskers are highly responsive to vibrations in the water. And our sensitive forepaws are adept at the vital ritual of self-grooming. If you could meet me in person, you would better appreciate how luxurious and remarkably thick my coat is. Among mammals, sea otter fur is the densest.

Perhaps you’re wondering about our lifestyle and the role we play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Let me start by describing our daily routine. Our presence in those locations helps to prevent invertebrates from damaging the kelp’s roots. When the macroalgae are healthy, they support a wider variety of species, thus contributing to an ecosystem’s stability.

Did you know that we were once hunted for our fur? It’s deplorable but true. So many of us perished that our species was listed as endangered, especially in the southern seas.

I know most mothers are superheroes in disguise, but there’s something different about the bond between our mamas and their pups. Maybe if you see some images, you’ll get a feeling for what I’m saying. Look at this dedicated parent teaching her young one to play, swim and dive in a protected harbor.