Sea Otters: A Survival Story

Synopsis:

Sea otters back from the brink!

Sea otters once ruled the Pacific Ocean, but the fur trade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries brought this predator to near extinction. Today they’re slowly coming back from the brink, and scientists are learning more about their pivotal role as one of nature’s keystone species. This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and uncertain future of sea otters. Author and photojournalist Isabelle Groc takes us into the field: watching sea otter rafts off the British Columbia coast from a kayak, exploring what makes their fur coats so special, understanding how their voracious appetites are helping kelp forests thrive and, ultimately, learning how sea otters are leaving their mark (or paws) on every part of the ecosystem. They might be one of the most adorable creatures in the ocean, but kids will discover how their survival is key to a rich, complex and connected ecosystem.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Wild series, which explores the lives of the creatures with whom we share the world and asks readers to consider the effects -- both positive and negative -- that humans have on vulnerable animal populations and habitats.

Key Features:

• This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and uncertain future of sea otters, their journey from near extinction and how their role as a keystone species is essential to a rich, complex and connected ecosystem.
• Filled with the history and ecology of sea otters, this book will inform and inspire young readers to take action to help the conservation of sea otters.
• The author is a photojournalist whose stories and photos have appeared in National Geographic News, BBC Wildlife and Scientific American, and she has also produced videos for National Geographic.
• One of the world’s most beloved animals, 99 percent of sea otters were hunted to near extinction during the fur trade, and even though their numbers are coming back, they are still an endangered species.
• Includes a foreword from Dame Judi Dench and David F. Mills.

Additional Information
128 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"