havsottrar

Havsottrar, also known as sea otters (*Enhydra lutris*), are semi-aquatic mammals native to the coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean. They are renowned for their dense fur, playful behavior, and ecological role as "keystone species." Historically distributed from the Commander Islands in Russia to Baja California in Mexico, their range has been significantly reduced due to historical hunting and habitat loss.

Sea otters are the largest members of the weasel family, typically weighing between 15 to 45 kilograms (33 to 99 pounds) and measuring up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length, including their tail. Their fur is exceptionally thick and waterproof, providing insulation against cold water temperatures. They rely on their fur for thermal regulation, as they lack a layer of blubber found in other marine mammals.

Havsottrar are highly social animals, often seen floating on their backs in groups called "rafts," where they groom each other, play, and communicate. Their diet consists primarily of marine invertebrates such as sea urchins, crabs, clams, and abalone, which they forage for using their dexterous front paws. Their feeding habits help maintain kelp forest ecosystems by controlling prey populations that would otherwise overgraze on kelp.

Conservation efforts have been critical in recovering sea otter populations. Once nearly hunted to extinction in the late 18th and 19th centuries, protective measures and habitat restoration have allowed some populations to rebound. Today, they are protected under various international and national conservation agreements, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Despite their recovery in some regions, havsottrar remain vulnerable to threats such as oil spills, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change. Ongoing research and conservation initiatives continue to monitor their status and ensure their survival in their natural habitats.