Where can I see sea otters in California?

Where can I see sea otters in California?

Where to see otters in California

• There are three best locations to see otters in California: Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay within the limits of the town of Monterrey and Morro Bay.
• Elkhorn Slough is located between Santa Cruz and Monterey.
• The second place to see otters in California is Monterey Bay.

Can you hunt sea otters in California?

State law has prohibited take or possession of sea otters or their pelts in California since 1913. With the termination of the trade in sea otter pelts, the California sea otter population began to grow in numbers and range.

When can you see sea otters in California?

The best times of the year to sight otters are often winter and spring. To stay protected from rough weather out to sea, the creatures tend to raft up in areas shielded from wind in estuaries, coves and near inshore kelp forests.

Are there otters at Big Sur?

Where to find them: Sea otters can be found throughout Big Sur. You’ll see them swimming in and around the kelp forests. When the sea otters are eating, you’ll see them lying on their back, like the otter on the right who is happily munching an Abalone, a Sea Otters favorite food.

What is the best time to see otters?

Dawn
Dawn and dusk are good times to watch for otters. It is also when other wildlife is most active, and their behaviour may give away an otter’s presence.

Does Morro Bay have otters?

Morro Bay Sea Otters Near the Morro Bay State Park marina, at the south end of Morro Bay, otters can be found near the shoreline. Walk the marina to see otters at work (and play), and be sure to bring binoculars. Perhaps the best way to see otters in the Estuary is from a kayak.

Does California state law protect sea otters?

Threats and Conservation In 1977, the southern sea otter was listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act. Additionally, this species is protected under California state law as a “fully protected mammal” and by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Is the sea otter protected?

Sea otters have been protected by the International Fur Seal Treaty since 1911. This treaty between U.S., Russia, Japan, and Great Britain was established to ban large-scale commercial hunting of sea otters and fur seals and to allow their populations to recover. Since then, sea otter numbers have increased.

Where can you see sea otters?

Top 5 Places to Spot Sea Otters

• Moss Landing. Moss Landing State Beach and the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing are almost always a sure bet to see these cuddly creatures.
• Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Cannery Row.
• Lovers Point Park and Beach.
• Point Lobos State Reserve.

Is Rosa the sea otter still alive?

Ivy. Ivy was found stranded in November 2011 on Cayucos State Beach in San Luis Obispo County as a two-week-old pup. She was cared for by Sea Otter Program staff for seven weeks and then introduced to Toola — the Aquarium’s most experienced surrogate mother at the time.

How do you find sea otters?

Top 5 Places to Spot Sea Otters

1. Moss Landing. Moss Landing State Beach and the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing are almost always a sure bet to see these cuddly creatures.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf.
3. Cannery Row.
4. Lovers Point Park and Beach.
5. Point Lobos State Reserve.
6. Bonus!

How far will otters travel on land?

General Ecology: Otters can travel over large areas. Some are known to use 20 kilometres or more of river habitat.