Once abundant along the Pacific Coast of North America, this charismatic marine carnivore was hunted to the edge of extinction and still struggles to persist in many portions of its range. You and your class can learn all about saving sea otters in this edition of Land, Sea & Air.

Sea otters are listed as "endangered" by the IUCN/World Conservation Union and as "threatened" under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Which animal species are endangered in your state? Students can investigate endangered species through this Local Species Science Fair activity for 4th through 8th grade students.

What kind of tool does a sea otter use? Find the answer to this question and learn other fascinating sea otter facts in the ANIMALS sea otter Animal Byte. Investigate sea otters and other species of otters through this Otter Infobook.

During Sea Otter Awareness Week, a variety of California organizations, including SeaWorld San Diego, promote awareness of southern sea otters. In 2006, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund provided a grant to help support the annual Sea Otter Awareness Week sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife. Discover more at the following link.

School groups can watch the antics of sea otters on an Instructional Field Trip. In 2007, Sea Otter Awareness week occurs September 23 through 30. If your class visits SeaWorld San Diego during this week, be sure to stop by Otter Outlook for daily presentations on SeaWorld's commitment to save sea otters.