IV 



PREFACE 



D. L. Spencer, R. Thomas, J. S. Vania, F. Vincenzi, A. D. Welander, 

 N. J. Wilimovsky, L. Williams, V. L. Yadon, C. E. Yunker, and 

 M. Zhan. 



The cooperation of Game Biologists of the Alaska Department 

 of Fish and Game was of particular value. Reproductive tracts, 

 stomachs, other specimens, and information contributed by them 

 furnished much of the material upon v^hich this report is based. 



The Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, and the Point Defiance Aquar- 

 ium, Tacoma, generously furnished facilities and care for captive 

 otters and routinely recorded certain observations on behavior, 

 molt, and food consumption. 



The help of Mrs. Ethel I. Todd, not only in typing the manu- 

 script but in assisting in many other phases of its preparation, 

 v^as indispensable. 



All or a substantial part of the manuscript v^as read and editorial 

 assistance was given by P. A. DuMont, C. Larson, R. H. Manville, 

 D. W. Rice, V. B. Scheffer, K. Schneider, D. W. Slater, and F. 

 Wilke. 



Weights and linear measurements of animals were taken in 

 either the metric or the English systems. The original measure- 

 ment is shown first, followed by the conversion in parentheses. 



Nautical charts show distances in nautical miles (1 nautical 

 mile equals 1.15 statute or land mile). In the present report, 

 "miles'' means nautical miles unless otherwise specified. Depths 

 are usually given in fathoms (1 fathom equals 6 feet) because of 

 their use on nautical charts. Depths are given in meters when 

 depth bears no particular relation to nautical charts. Maps are 

 adaptations from U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey charts. 



Trade names referred to in this publication do not imply en- 

 dorsement of commercial products. 



Much work on the biology of the sea otter remains to be done. 

 Many of the studies included in this report are preliminary ap- 

 proaches to subjects that will require years of future study. 



