Kick back, snack, and relax

It's hard not to smile when you spot a sea otter. Their whiskery faces, busy paws, and thick fur give the impression of a stuffed animal that has come to life and taken to the ocean. The heaviest members of the weasel family, sea otters aren't just cute. They also play a vital role in the underwater kelp forest ecosystem, keeping the destructive sea urchin population in check—by eating them.
© Andrew Peacock/Tandem Stills + Motion