We had fun today, observing the antics of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in the bay near Morro Rock. This marine mammal is native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. It is the heaviest member of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. The sea otter’s primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the densest in the animal kingdom. This once led them to be extensively hunted. Since an international hunting ban was imposed, numbers have rebounded somewhat, but they are sill classified as endangered.

Although the sea otter can walk on land, it is capable of living exclusively in the ocean. It mostly eats marine invertebrates such as sea urchins, various mollusks and crustaceans, and some species of fish.The sea otter’s use of rocks when hunting and feeding makes it one of the few marine mammal species to use tools.

I think I was likely observing grooming behaviour today. As the ability of the fur to repel water depends on utmost cleanliness, the sea otter has the ability to reach and groom any part of its body, taking advantage of its loose skin and an unusually supple skeleton. They certainly are adorable!