Sea Otters, seen mostly on the Pacific Coast from Japan to Alaska and California were almost driven to extinction as people hunted them for their fur. At one time last century their numbers had plunged from a million to several thousand. An international ban on hunting has halted the decline, and today it is estimated that there are 100,000 of them, with 3,000 on the coastline of California.
When we arrived at Moss Landing Wildlife Area, we were pleasantly surprised to see dozens of them swimming on their backs in Elkhorn Slough.
Sea Otters floating in Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing Wildlife Area.
Sea Otters at Moss Landing Wildlife Area. The two in the middle were intertwined and twisted in the water as they swam.
Sea Otters at Moss Landing Wildlife Area.
Sea Otters at Moss Landing Wildlife Area.
Sea Otter at Moss Landing Wildlife Area. Note right leg crossed over left leg. Very relaxed.
Some climbed ashore to rest and sleep.
Sea Otther climbing on the beach.
Sea Otter turning back to look who was taking pictures.
Sea Otter resting or sleeping.
This one was definitely sleeping. It did not move for a long time until disturbed by noises.
Baby Sea Otter swimming along its mother.
Tiny said:
Wonderful shots! I love how they just float around on their backs completely relaxed.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Tiny! We should learn to relax like them, floating on our back, one leg over the other. 🙂
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elleturner4 said:
Oh how lovely they are! 😀
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neihtn2012 said:
They are adorable indeed.
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Lignum Draco said:
Nicely captured – so relaxed. I’m glad they were saved from extinction.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you! I am always surprised at the number of species, that we humans have managed to drive to extinction.
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Bà Tám said:
Wondrrous photos. Bravo ông Hiền.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you!
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quietsolopursuits said:
We have river otters here, but they’re seldom seen. I’d love to see sea otters and get photos of them as good as yours are.
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neihtn2012 said:
River otters, now that’s an animal I haven’t seen. Will have to work on that. Thanks Jerry!
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DG MARYOGA said:
Fabulous photo series,Hien!The group portraits have so much fun,I double-clicked some of your images and I was stunned.The one facing your lens is gorgeous and so is the sleeping one.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Doda. I’m glad you like these Sea Otter photos. They are cute animals.
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DG MARYOGA said:
Indeed they are !
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Amy said:
Great captures! Love the last one especially. 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Amy! That last one: you should have seen them in real life. Next time I’ll have to shoot a short movie.
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katelon said:
I love otters. Great photos.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Katelon!
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