290 



NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA 68 



which sea water was pumped for 3 to 4 hours each day. When 

 given only intermittent access to water, however, the waterproof 

 condition of their fur eventually deteriorated. In addition, animals 

 kept with limited access to water frequently developed infections 

 of the paws and flippers which, in combination with eventual 

 wetting of the underfur, contributed to the mortality. Although 

 survival was improved in the outdoor cage, it was evident that 

 caging methods were still inadequate. 



In October 1957, an outdoor, cement pool, 15 feet (4.6 m.) long, 

 8 feet (2.4 m.) wide, and 4 feet (1.2 m.) deep, was built on 

 Amchitka. Surrounding the pool was a wooden platform 7 feet 

 (2.1 m.) wide, and the entire installation was surrounded by a 

 board fence 7 feet (2.1 m.) high (figs. 108 and 109). The en- 

 closure was unroofed. A continuous flow of water was furnished by 

 a clear, fresh-water stream. All healthy animals placed in this 

 enclosure remained healthy, and several that were afflicted with 

 enteritis and apparently starving when captured regained health. 



The basic reason for the failure of early experiments with 

 captives became obvious. Under normal conditions in the wild, the 



Figure 108. — This enclosure around a cement pool satisfactorily prevented 

 escape and furnished ideal conditions where otters could be held indefinitely. 

 Water from a stream was brought to the pool in the wooden pipe, at left. 

 A ramp was constructed (far right) on which a dory, used to obtain fish 

 for otter food, was beached. Storm waves often destroyed the ramp. 

 (KWK 57-27-12) 



