THE SEA OTTER IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN 219 



apparently being with the ventral surfaces opposed, although of 

 this I could not be positive." In all nine cases of completed copu- 

 lation that I observed, the male clasped the female from behind 

 and remained dorsal to her but slightly to one side of her median 

 dorsal line during copulation. Because of the position of the female, 

 lying rigidly on her back with f orepaws extended, immediately be- 

 fore coitus, it would seem unusual that the position of the male 

 would be other than dorsal to her body during copulation. 



POSTGOPULATORY PERIOD 



In one case this period was observed to last for 3 days (19 

 through 22 August 1955, table 45). The pair fed, groomed, and 

 rested in close company (fig. 87). Occasionally they engaged in 

 short periods of play, and the male sometimes attempted copu- 

 lation. The female, however, appeared to be unreceptive during 

 this period. The pair rested periodically on the chosen hauling-out 

 site and slept beside each other during the night. 



Figure 87. — A pair of sea otters (female on left) rest and groom beside each 

 other shortly after mating. The light colored head is more typical of males 

 than females. As shown here, females tend to be more alert and watchful 

 than males. Males tend to be phlegmatic and take alarm less easily than 

 females. The nose of the female was grasped in the teeth of the male during 

 mating and is swollen. The broader and heavier head and neck of the male 

 is evident. (KWK 975) 



