Study Reveals Sea Otters Use Tools to Access Larger Prey and Protect Teeth

Research shows female sea otters utilize tools more frequently, aiding in survival and reducing dental damage.

Sea otters use rocks, shells, and discarded items to break open hard-shelled prey.
Tool use allows otters to consume larger prey and maintain their calorie needs.
Female otters, due to their smaller size and higher energy demands, use tools more than males.
The behavior helps reduce tooth damage, crucial for the otters' survival.
Southern sea otters are a threatened species, with about 3,000 individuals in California.