Otter News Archive

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Leave stranded otters alone

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16th May 2010

Santa Cruz Sentinal, Santa Cruz, California, USA

SANTA CRUZ -- Juvenile sea otter strandings along the Central Coast are at their peak when the seas are rough and winds are strong, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is encouraging residents to report the animals but keep their distance.

"California sea otters are wild animals and may bite if they are disturbed or feel threatened," said Karl Mayer, the aquarium's sea otter stranding coordinator. "Even a sick or injured otter is capable of inflicting a serious bite." Stranded otters may merely be resting or recovering from an illness or injury, Mayer said.

All marine mammals are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and anyone violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act is subject to a substantial fine, Mayer added.

The sea otter stranding team at the aquarium is sharing guidelines on what to do if a sea otter is found on the beach. If a stranded otter is found, the aquarium advises:

• Leaving the sea otter undisturbed until a trained wildlife professional arrives. Observe it from a distance and keep dogs and other people away. Disturbing an otter can do more to harm its recovery than to help. In particular, bundling up and transporting a stranded pup or adult otter to a rescue center or private home could threaten its chances of survival.
• Calling 648-4840 or 648-4829. Aquarium staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to reports of ill or injured otters. If possible, remain on scene to direct rescuers to the site.
• Be able to tell staff if the sea otter appear to be alive or dead and if has visible wounds or injuries? Also, does it appear to be conscious and alert? Is the otter vocalizing? Do you see other otters swimming nearby? Does it have ID tags on its hind flippers? And be able to provide an exact location.