IN CAPTIVITY 



The sea otter is highly adaptable to life in captivity. When its 

 environmental and food needs are met, it is hardy and appears 

 contented in air temperatures from about 15° to 85° F. By nature 

 it is placid and tames quickly. Some individuals accept food from 

 the hand within a few minutes of capture. 



Certain features of the captive environment are, however, ex- 

 tremely critical. The sea otter in captivity must have free access 

 to an abundant supply of clean water. It also requires access to 

 clean, dry areas but, in warm weather, it may spend entire days 

 without leaving the water. Free air circulation is also a require- 

 ment. Cleanliness of the fur is essential ; if the fur becomes soiled, 

 the air blanket trapped among its fibers is destroyed, the skin 

 then becomes wet, and death from chilling soon follows. 



Its food requirement of about 20 to 25 percent of its body weight 

 per day must be fulfilled. It readily eats a variety of fish, mollusks, 

 and crustaceans but will remain in good health on a monotonous 

 diet. 



If clean water is withdrawn for even a short period, as during 

 travel on ship or aircraft, death may occur soon after the animals 

 are allowed to enter cold water. When water is not available, 

 captives are emotionally upset and extremely sensitive to air 

 temperatures. In dry cages, air temperature near 50° F. has caused 

 distress, and animals exposed for a few hours to temperatures 

 near 70° F. died. 



The information gained from holding many captive otters is 

 reviewed below. 



Capture 



Most sea otters taken alive are captured in nets. The historical 

 record indicates that in early times, also, nets were employed. 

 Steller (in Jordan, 1898-1899, Vol. 3, p. 214) states that anchored 

 nets were spread on the water's surface and that carved wooden 

 otters were used to attract otters into them. Of the captives he 

 says : 



When they are caught in the nets they are so frantic that in their despair 



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