Sea otters are a keystone species whose recovery from near-extinction has transformed Pacific kelp forest ecosystems, but they face ongoing threats from oil spills, shark bites, and infectious disease.
Sea otters face multiple welfare challenges linked to human activities. Oil spills are particularly devastating because sea otters rely entirely on their dense fur for insulation - oil destroys waterproofing, causing hypothermia. Rehabilitation of oiled otters requires intensive long-term care. Infectious diseases including toxoplasmosis from cat feces in coastal runoff and Sarcocystis neurona cause chronic neurological disease and suffering.