THE SEA OTTER IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN 



51 



Figure 27. — Dental attrition and bone damage in the adult sea otter. Adult 

 otters found dead on beaches at Amchitka Island often have severely worn 

 teeth. Bone resorption (indicated by arrows) and periapical abscesses ac- 

 company severe tooth attrition. All teeth showing severe wear were loose. 

 The crushing of hard-shelled organisms, such as mussels and sea urchins, 

 is a suggested cause of severe tooth wear. (KWK 66-14-10 above, 66-13-20 

 below) 



