Sea Otter Mothers Use Kelp Blankets to Protect Their Pups
Sea otter mothers have developed a clever and heartwarming way to keep their babies safe while they hunt for food. They wrap their pups in long strands of kelp, creating a natural “blanket” that prevents the young otters from floating away in the ocean currents.
Because sea otter pups are born with extremely buoyant fur, they float easily on the water’s surface and cannot dive until they are older. When a mother needs to dive underwater to search for shellfish such as clams and sea urchins, she carefully tucks her pup into floating kelp. The kelp acts like an anchor, holding the baby in place until she returns.
This behavior is not only practical but also shows the strong bond between mother and pup. While hunting, the mother can focus on finding food, knowing her baby is safe and nearby. Once she resurfaces, she immediately reunites with the pup, often grooming it and wrapping it again in kelp.
Marine biologists say this natural strategy highlights the intelligence of sea otters and their reliance on kelp forests for survival. Kelp forests provide shelter, food sources, and even babysitting tools for these animals.
The touching image of sea otter pups bundled together in kelp has captured global attention, reminding people of the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems and the importance of protecting marine habitats.
