- Buoyancy: Sea otters have very dense fur that traps air, which helps them float. However, when they are in rough water, they need a little extra help to stay afloat. Wrapping themselves in seaweed provides additional buoyancy and helps them stay at the surface.
- Warmth: Sea otters live in cold waters, and their fur is not enough to keep them warm on its own. Wrapping themselves in seaweed helps them to trap heat and stay warm.
- Grooming: Sea otters spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and seaweed can help them to remove dirt and parasites from their fur.
- Protection: Sea otters are prey for a variety of predators, including sharks and killer whales. Wrapping themselves in seaweed can help to camouflage them and make them less visible to predators.