Sea otters, a unique marine animal with thick fur and webbed feet, they play an important ecological role in keeping kelp forests and other coastal habitats in balance. Sea otters are listed as endangered due to historical over-harvesting for their fur and habitat loss caused by human activities such as coastal development and pollution. Because of these factors, their populations have declined significantly, making them vulnerable to other threats such as oil spills and disease outbreaks. Sea otters and their habitat are being protected through conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, hunting restrictions, and regulations to reduce human impact on their environment.
