Notes on Captive Sea Otters

Abstract

Notes on the behaviour of three yearlings kept two and a half months in 1954 in a dry environment at Amchitka in the Aleutians. Their sleeping, preening, reaction to man and feeding habits, drinking, locomotion, handling, food and sociability voice, etc., are discussed in detail. Their anatomy and environment in captivity are also discussed: water for swimming was found desirable, if not necessary. Results of physiological investigations are reported by D.E. Stullken and C.M. Kirkpatrick, q.v.