* Invertebrates:
* Sea urchins: These spiny creatures are a major food source, especially in areas where kelp forests grow.
* Crabs: Various species of crab, from small Dungeness crabs to larger king crabs.
* Clams, mussels, and other shellfish: They use rocks as tools to crack open these hard-shelled creatures.
* Sea snails: Including abalone, which are considered a delicacy.
* Fish: They eat a variety of fish, including cod, flounder, and rockfish.
* Occasionally: Sea otters have been known to eat small octopuses and squid.
Interesting facts about their eating habits:
* High calorie intake: Sea otters have a very high metabolism and need to eat about 25% of their body weight in food every day.
* Use of tools: Sea otters are known for using rocks to open shellfish, making them one of the few animals besides humans to use tools for foraging.
* Floating feasts: They often float on their backs while eating, using their bellies as a platform to hold and break open their food.
* Important role in the ecosystem: Sea otters help to control populations of sea urchins, which can decimate kelp forests. This makes them a keystone species, meaning their presence has a significant impact on the overall health of the ecosystem.