otters – just moving along like everyone else

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noaasanctuaries:

This southern sea otter is pawsitively excited to sea you!

These otterly adorable creatures can be found in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where they serve as an important keystone species in kelp forests. Sea otters eat invertebrates like sea urchins, which like to chow down on kelp. By eating urchins, sea otters help keep those populations down so the forest can grow and thrive.

When you’re visiting the coast, give these significant otters plenty of space – a zoom lens can be key!

(Photo: Douglas Croft)

Please enjoy this unbearably adorable picture of a sea otter in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Cute and major contributors to marine ecosystems!