Table of Contents
What enemies do sea otters have?
What are the natural predators of sea otters? Great white sharks are the primary predator in California. Ongoing studies in Alaska recently revealed that orcas (killer whales) are eating more and more sea otters in that region, possibly because the usual prey (seals and sea lions) are in decline.
What are the biggest threats to sea otters?
Oil Spills The greatest threat to the sea otter population is an oil spill. Because their numbers are low and they are located in a rather small geographic area, the California otter population could be devastated by oil contamination.
How do you get rid of nuisance otters?
Problem otters can be trapped and removed. Live traps do work if baited with the oils from another otter or if baited with a potent-smelling fish. Because of their agility in the water, leg hold traps are the most common method for trapping live otters.
What does a sea otter do to survive?
Sea otters exhibit numerous adaptations which help them survive in their challenging marine environment. Long whiskers help them to detect vibrations in murky waters and sensitive forepaws, with retractable claws, help them to groom, locate and capture prey underwater, and use tools.
How are sea otters affected by human disturbance?
Sea otters, like almost any animal that is exposed to frequent human disturbance, can become habituated to humans. Habituation results in a loss of fear of humans, increased boldness and in some cases aggression towards humans and pets. Habituated sea otters may try to interact with humans by climbing on kayaks.
Can a dog get hurt by a sea otter?
A dog can harass or injure a sea otter, and a habituated sea otter can easily kill a dog, whether in “play” or out of aggression. Direct interactions with sea otters also carry the risk of disease transmission from the sea otter to you or your pet.
What causes sea otters to die in California?
Sea otters are equally active both night and day. White shark bites are now the leading cause of sea otter mortality in California. Large percentage of southern sea otter mortality is due to infectious diseases, many of which are known to have anthropogenic causes.
How does a sea otter care for its pups?
Fun fact: An otter pup’s fur is so dense that it can’t dive underwater until it gets its adult fur. This comes in handy when mothers leave their pups safely floating on the water’s surface while they forage for food. A mother sea otter carries her pup.