How Do Sea Otters Keep Their Fur So Fluffy and Warm?

Sea otters are remarkable animals not only for their adorable appearance but also for their unique adaptations to thrive in cold marine environments. One of the most interesting aspects of their biology is their fur, which is the densest fur in the animal kingdom, with up to a million hair strands per square inch. This dense fur serves a critical purpose: it provides insulation against frigid water temperatures, as sea otters lack a layer of blubber like many other marine mammals. To maintain the insulating properties of their fur, sea otters engage in a meticulous grooming routine, using their paws to ensure their fur remains clean and free of water. This grooming behavior is so important that they may spend up to a third of their day cleaning their fur, demonstrating how vital their unique adaptations are for survival in their aquatic habitats.