The Otters are Coming!
A mother Southern sea otter and her pup attract attention frolicking in the Pacific Ocean near Monterey.
California's sea otters were almost wiped out due to the Great Hunt that started in 1742. However, since the 1930's they've been ranging north from the Monterey Peninsula and are now regularly seen in San Mateo County waters. Recent unconfirmed sightings place these watery weasels in San Francisco near the Golden Gate Bridge. It would seem to be a tough place for them to live these days, but they used to thrive in San Francisco Bay. Have you seen any sea otters north of Pacifica? If so, let us know!
More shots after the jump.
First you get a nice rock on your tummy, then you bang away.
Now, enjoy some nice seafood.
A pup begs for more from its mother. Gestation period for sea otters is over 7 months - it's a lot of work to raise a pup.
A close up of an adult female. Sea otters are the smallest marine mammals.
Breakfast in the morning sun.
Originally from Japan, Southern sea otters used to range continuously across the North Pacific off the coasts of northen Japan and Alaska, but also all the way down the West Coast to Mexico. Given the history, they are lucky not to be extinct. Ganbatte, kawauso-san.