Just in time for Sea Otter Awareness Week – catch up on these aquatic icons!

You otter learn more about these charismatic critters! You otter learn more about these charismatic critters! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [logo header with donate button]( [Sea Otter floating on back and scratching face © John R. Gentile]( Sea otters are adorable – but what makes them so special? With their fuzzy faces, their little whiskers and the way they sometimes hold paws while they sleep, sea otters have captured the hearts of millions. But these marine mammals aren’t just charming – they also play a big role in protecting nature’s balance! Where do they live? You can find sea otters swimming along the West Coast. A long time ago, they were nearly wiped out by hunters for their soft fur. But these charismatic critters are resilient, and they’ve spent the last hundred years making a heroic comeback. There’s no keeping these otters down! Okay, so? Sea otters protect kelp forests by carrying out an important task: they snack on sea urchins. Without hungry otters to keep them in check, sea urchins can run amok and devour kelp forests that provide food and cover for other animals. When we help sea otters, we help the kelp! How can I help? This week is Sea Otter Awareness Week, a time to celebrate these aquatic icons. Sea otters are still missing from key parts of their historical range along the northern California and Oregon coastlines, and it’s time to bring them home! By raising awareness and lending your support, you can help sea otters float on for generations to come! [CELEBRATE SEA OTTER AWARENESS WEEK!]( P.S.: Want to learn even more about sea otters and the ecosystem they inhabit? Join us for a special presentation over Zoom on Thursday, September 26 – [sign up here to learn more!]( Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street NW • Washington, DC 20036 defenders.org --------------------------------------------------------------- Photo Credit: Sea Otter © John R. Gentile This email was sent to {EMAIL} [Update]( your email preferences or [unsubscribe]( [supporter]