Sea Otters

Sea otters are the smallest sea mammals. They spend most of their time in the water. They float on their backs all day. They even float when they are eating and sleeping.

Sea otters have reddish-brown fur. Their thick fur keeps them warm in chilly waters. Sea otters have webbed feet. Their noses and ears close when they dive underwater.

Sea otters live on the coasts of North America and Asia. They float in groups called rafts. They hold hands to stay together. Sometimes they wrap their bodies in seaweed. This helps them stay in one place.

Sea otters eat small sea animals. They find clams and mussels. They use a rock as a tool. It helps them smash the shells open. Then they eat the bits inside. Otters might also eat crabs, octopus, or fish.

A baby sea otter is called a pup. Female sea otters usually have one baby at a time. Pups stay with their mothers for eight months. A sea otter can live more than 20 years.