California, USA - May 16, 2024

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Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, University of California, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and others have been tracking the behavior of 196 radio-tagged southern sea otters off the coast of California, revealing that individual otters that use tools are able to access larger prey and reduce tooth damage when their preferred prey becomes depleted.

The study found that female otters, who make up the majority of tool users, are able to eat larger prey and reduce tooth damage due to their smaller body size and weaker biting ability. Raising pups requires a significant amount of energy, and females need to be efficient in their foraging. The use of tools allows them to meet their calorie demands and overcome their physical limitations.

Male otters, on the other hand, were found to have more tooth damage than females, likely due to their reliance on preying on harder-shelled prey such as crabs and clams.

As a threatened species, southern sea otters number only about 3,000 in California, where they play a critical role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

By understanding how sea otters adapt to changing environments, scientists can better inform management strategies to protect this iconic species.

"This study shows that tool use is an important behavior for survival," said Chris Law, lead researcher and postdoctoral researcher at UT Austin. "Females are likely using tools to overcome their smaller body size and weaker biting ability in order to meet their calorie demands."