Cape Kiritappu in Hamanaka Town, eastern Hokkaido, is home to a precious population of wild sea otters. While locals and tourists alike visit to peacefully watch these adorable creatures, photos of a newborn sea otter pup posted on social media have gone viral for their overwhelming cuteness.

A pup watching its parent groom.

Hehe

Photo courtesy of @Zitaku_Onsen3

Social media has been flooded with comments from people swooning over the fluffy baby and mother sea otter, with remarks like "So cute!" and "I want to be the ocean!" According to the poster, "Onneyu Onsen no Hito" (@Zitaku_Onsen3), the baby was "only about 10 days old" when these photos were taken in mid-May. Seeing its tiny body trying so hard to swim is an incredibly heartwarming sight.

Many sea otters, and a baby being held tightly by its mother.

A mother lifts her floating pup.

After a full meal, it's time for a nap.

At Cape Kiritappu, you have the chance to see a raft of wild sea otters all year round. Why not visit and watch these wild sea otters live their lives freely, while making sure to follow the local rules for observation and photography?