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CALIFORNIA- Humans are not the only ones who have to go through a government census. Tuesday, the US Geologic Survey released the 2012 sea otter census.
The 2012 count brings some good news for the sea otter population. "The raw sea otter count and 3–year average are both up and the pup count is the third highest on record. These increases all occurred during two record years of mortality", said Brad Hunt, Program manager for The Otter Project.
Despite the increase of some numbers the population still struggles with high mortality, especially among reproductive aged adults.
According to the Sea Otter Project, between 40-50% of sea otter deaths are linked to infectious disease, various parasites, and pathogens that have been linked to land-based processes and activities.
For more information on sea otters and what you can do to help, visit www.otterproject.org.
