- Grooming: Sea otters spend a considerable amount of time grooming each other. This not only helps to keep their fur clean and free of parasites, but it also serves as a form of social bonding and communication.
- Playing: Sea otters are playful animals and often engage in various forms of play, such as chasing each other, sliding on their bellies, and tossing objects. Play is important for social development and helps to strengthen bonds between individuals.
- Parenting: Sea otter mothers are very attentive to their pups. They carry them on their stomachs for several months and provide them with constant care and protection. Mothers also teach their pups how to forage for food and other important survival skills.
- Mating: Sea otters have a unique mating system. Males compete for females through a series of vocalizations and aggressive behaviors. Once a pair has formed, they typically mate for life.
- Territorial behavior: Sea otters are territorial animals and defend their territory from other groups of sea otters. They scent-mark their territory and may use aggressive behaviors, such as biting and chasing, to keep other sea otters away.
Overall, sea otters exhibit a rich social behavior that is essential for their survival and well-being. Their social interactions help maintain strong bonds within the group and play a crucial role in communication and cooperation.