The mother otter lifted the pup out of the water and on to her belly to keep it warm

This devoted mother otter found a novel way of keeping her newborn pup dry by letting the baby ride on her belly.

Nature photographer Suzi Eszterhas, 40, spotted the adorable pair of southern sea otters swimming in Monterey Bay, California.

The mother otter lifted the pup out of the water and on to her belly to keep it warm and dry.

The loving mother also blew air into the young pup's fur to groom it.