Sea otter floating in a kelp bed in Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, United States

© Gerry Ellis/Minden Picture

Sea otter

They slip through the water like furry torpedoes, roll on riverbanks like children on a playground and hold hands while they nap. Otters are nature's playful pranksters. They belong to the Mustelidae family, a diverse group that includes weasels, badgers and minks and are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. With 13 species worldwide, including the European otter, giant otter and sea otter—pictured here—these semi-aquatic animals are adapted for life in water. Their webbed feet, dense fur and strong tails make them excellent swimmers. Beyond their cuteness, otters play a vital role in ecosystems.

As top predators in freshwater and coastal habitats, they help maintain healthy fish populations and keep aquatic environments balanced. Unfortunately, many otter species are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution and illegal wildlife trade. Without otters, food chains could become unstable, leading to ecological problems. Whether it's through education, conservation efforts or simply spreading the word, every action helps keep them afloat. So, let's paddle together.