Sea otters have been using tools for generationsand now archaeologists are probing their secrets.

Sea otter fun facts national geographic. Sea otters are just as full of interesting characteristics as they are full of cuteness. Made in the UKSubscribe to All Things Animal TV. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family yet the smallest marine mammal in North America.

Most are small with short ears and. Scientists aboard the Nautilus vessel recently spotted this cuddly creature 2950 feet 900 meters below the surface of the water off the coast of Californi. The charismatic otter a member of the weasel family is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

Sea otters have thick underfur that traps air to form an insulating layer against chilly waters they have no insulating fat. The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but in some locations comes. Photo by Bob Winfree National Park Service.

In fact the oceans hold about 965 of all water on Earth. Sea otters are incredibly clean and keep their waterproof coats in perfect condition. Sea otters primarily rely on their sense of touch whiskers and forepaws in murky waters to locate prey.

For one of the smallest marine mammals on Earth yet the largest member of the weasel family the sea otter has racked up quite a few superlatives. A sea otter snoozes on its back -- showing its hind legs tail and webbed feet which make otters great swimmers. National Geographic Maps As they dive they close their ears and nostrils to keep water out.

Sea otters wrap themselves in kelp or hold hands when sleeping to prevent drifting. Sea otters can hold their breather underwater for more than 5 minutes and river otters can hold theirs for more than 8. Cute doesnt necessarily mean cuddly.