The
Westerly News
Sept. 8, 2005
Parks Canada staff recently confirmed multiple reports of people encountering
and interacting with a sea otter in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
These incidents have occurred over the past two weeks at both Long Beach
and Wickaninnish Beach.
For personal safety reasons, a warning has been issued by park wardens to all water users at Long Beach to leave the water immediately if the otter approaches. There is a danger the otter may bite or scratch.
To date encounters in the park have been primarily with the surfing community. Incidents have included the otter climbing aboard surfboards, tugging or nipping at gloves/clothes, approaching people in the water and following them when they leave. No "aggressive" behavior has been reported by wardens or staff thus far, but there is concern these interactions could escalate.
Sea otters are a threatened species and similar encounters in other regions have shown human interactions have had advers affects on the otters. While the notion of a "surfing sea otter" may seem fun, it could be potentially disastrous for the animal. This cute, cuddly sea otter is a wild carnivore.
Although this situation is unique, the story is a familiar one. We all know the sad, disappointing fate of bears, wolves and cougars when they become accustomed to humans.
Sea otters are a member of the weasel family with large teeth and sharp claws. They weigh between 20 to 30 kilograms (45 to 65 pounds), and measure up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length. They are equivalent in size to a large dog, and much bigger than the commonly seen river otter. They swim with their hind feet and are extremely fast. They currently range along the west coast of North America, from Alaska to central California. Sea otters eat sea urchins, crabs, and other seafood. Their primary habitat is among the kelp beds, where they typically spend much of their time in groups, or rafts.
Sea Otters are listed under the Species at Risk Act. They are being seen with increasing frequency in both Barkley and Clayoquot Sound. You can do your part to protect and help bring them back by maintaining your distance and resisting the urge to interact.
If you are approached by a sea otter:
- Leave the water - do not approach or interact.
- Report your encounter to park wardens or other park staff as soon as possible.
Call park wardens
at 250-726-8035.
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Westerly News, a Canwest Company. Reproduction of this article
or photographs, in whole or in part, is illegal without the written consent
of The Westerly News (westnews@ukeecable.net).
The Westerly News is published each Wednesday in Ucluelet. Phone: 250
726-7029
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