The sea otter is a marine mammal found along the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. They are known for their thick fur, which keeps them warm in cold waters. Sea otters are excellent swimmers and can dive to depths of up to 300 feet in search of food, primarily feeding on sea urchins, crabs, and clams. Sea otters play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping to maintain kelp forest health. By controlling the population of sea urchins, they prevent overgrazing of kelp, which provides habitat for many other marine species. Their conservation status is currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.