Sea otters whose fur becomes oiled lose its insulating properties and face hypothermia and toxic exposure requiring intensive rehabilitation.
Sea otters oiled in spills face acute hypothermia as their fur loses insulating capacity. They spend enormous energy trying to maintain body temperature, rapidly depleting reserves. Ingesting oil while grooming causes internal toxicity affecting liver, kidneys, and immune function. Rehabilitation is intensive and stressful, involving repeated handling and washing. Even successfully rehabilitated otters may experience chronic health effects from residual oil toxicity. Oil spill response capacity must include sea otter rehabilitation expertise and facilities.