Another Dead Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)

Observation: This is the second sea otter that has stranded on our beach this week. The first sea otter was sighted three days earlier alive but very sick and distressed, and then if of course died. We don't know if these strandings are connected. Unfortunately, the high tide removed the carcass before it could be recovered. It is a concern for the people here in Chignik Lagoon. Thankfully there have been no others found on the beach since then.

LEO Comment: The cause of illness will be difficult to determine without a necropsy, so collection of this animal will be important. A recent observation about sea otter (Enhydra lutris) death was reported by Chris Price in Unalaska on December 31st. There have been widespread die-off of sea otter over the past year in Kachemak Bay area. This event may or may not be related. You can read about this in the Alaska Public Media story Kachemak sea otter deaths under investigation; Authorities seek public’s help. This observation was shared with Joel Garlich-Miller for ADFG records.

Dead or dying sea otters and other marine mammals should be reported to the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline at 888-774-SEAL (7325). A link to the website including observation guidelines is provided here. This event was shared with the Alaska SeaLife Center Staff and also the Alaska Sea Grant, Marine Advisory Program Agents in Unalaska and in Dillingham. M.Brubaker

Resource: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. Journal | Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 40 (2015) 1-17 | Pathogenesis of Streptococcus infantarius subspecies coli Isolated from Sea Otters with Infective Endocarditis