Exploring the habits, habitats and antics of the North American sea otter, Sea Otters traces the problems and perseverance that have marked the history of this thick-furred and beautiful sea mammal. Prized for its thick fur - known in the fur trade as "soft gold" - the sea otter was hunted to near extinction in the 18th and 19th centuries. With its numbers now replenished through massive reintroduction programs, the sea otter has gained the attention of animal lovers and environmentalists as a creature with a unique niche in the life of our planet.