to the total Amchitka coastal strip of 82 miles gives a total 
population estimate of 1,561 otters at Amchitka -- a surprising 
coincidence. 
It is axiomatic that not all otters could have been seen on 
any count. The similarity of the aerial and surface counts in the 
sample area must not therefore be regarded as proof that these 
counts exactly represent the number of otters in this area. However, 
we believe that because of the care that was exercised in making all 
counts, we now have a reasonable representation of the order of 
magnitude of otters found in the areas. surveyed. 
25 
