THE SEA OTTER—KENYON 407 
During 1957 field studies on Amchitka we constructed a large 
artificial pool with a supply of running fresh water. In this we found 
that otters remained healthy and quickly adjusted to a feeding sched- 
ule. But results were disastrous when we attempted to transport them 
by air, as we had previously done successfully. They became highly 
excited when suddenly transferred from the pool and large enclosure 
to small traveling cages and died as a result of lung hemorrhages after 
a few hours of air travel. This was an unexpected development, since 
other animals previously carried by air had not died from this cause. 
Even tranquilizers failed to remedy the situation. 
Through our study program, which embraces the keeping of otters 
in captivity and understanding their habits in the wild, we hope to 
enlarge our knowledge of their ecology, life history, and populations. 
We are gratified to know that the sea otter is safe from extermination 
and hope that it may some day take its place with the northern fur 
seal as a valuable and renewable natural resource, under a carefully 
controlled program. 
Reprints of the various articles in this Report may be obtained, as long as 
the supply lasts, on request addressed to the Editorial and Publications 
Division, Smithsonian Institution, Washington 25, D.C. 
492520—_59——27 
