Sea Otters. They're adorable and so clever. And, they have a thick coat of fur. That's one of the reasons they were viciously hunted down, almost to extinction, in the 18th and 19th centuries. In fact, some believed they had gone extinct until a family of otters was discovered in 1937. This marine mammal can still be found along the coast of Northern California. Adult sea otters can weigh between 30 and 100 pounds, Although they can walk on land, sea otters can live exclusively in the ocean. Sea Otters are one of the few mammals to use tools. They use rocks to open shells and get to prey. This is a sign of their intelligence. Along with having been hunted almost to extinction, sea otters have been victimized by motorized boats, another reason why they're endangered. This video goes into efforts to protect them. We hope this species survives and thrives. They're considered a keystone species because they consume sea urchins and keep that species under control so that it does not damage kelp ecosystems. Nature give a purpose to every being. Who are we to decide that a fur coat or a fish dinner is more important than the lives of these otters? So, watch this fascinating mini-doc, brought to us by Tom Porter, and visit with the sea otters in a way that allows them to live in peace.