Otter Population Takes Small Dip

California sea otters were once hunted extensively for their fur.  At the end of nineteenth century, they were on the brink of extinction.  Currently listed as threatened, researchers monitor their recovery very closely.

A recent survey, led by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has found a 3.2 percent drop in the spring 2005 California sea otter population. 

From May 6-June 16, observers counted 2,735 otters between Half Moon Bay and Santa Barbara.  This is compared to 2,825 from last year, which was the highest count since 1983 when the first survey tallied less than 1,500 otters.

Researchers are not too concerned yet about this dip, since the longer-term trends have been promising.

"Despite the dip in this year's tally, the latest three-year running average of the three most recent spring counts is up 8 percent over the previous average, to almost 2,700 sea otters," said survey organizer Brian Hatfield. "The meaning of the 2005 count will become clearer with additional years of averaged data points."

• Amazing Images: Science & Nature Photos from Our Readers
• Otters Overrun Ohio
• Under the Sea: Images of Life in the Sanctuaries

-- LiveScience Staff

Credit: National Park Service