Along the picturesque shores of the Bay Area in California lives an endangered population of Southern Sea Otters, a keystone species native to the California coastline. Sea Otters help maintain the balance in the vital kelp forest ecosystems by controlling the population of sea urchins that would otherwise wreak havoc in these forests. They also serve an essential function by being extremely cute and holding hands while they sleep.

Unlike other marine mammals, Sea Otters lack blubber and depend on their thick fur coat to maintain their body temperature. They require an immense amount of energy to regulate their body temperature and thus need to consume 20-30% of their body mass. If you encounter them in while in the ocean, maintain your distance and let them rest so they can be nice and warm!