| Morro Bay Harbor Department Saves the Day for This Otter Family |
Morro Bay, CA, February 5, 2019 – In between cloudbursts yesterday, a baby sea otter was reunited with its mother. The baby, spotted alone by one of the community’s commercial fishermen, got assistance from the Harbor Department, the Marine Mammal Center and Mike Harris of Fish & Wildlife. The city of Morro Bay caught the video below of the baby being released before swimming to its mother.
As the Harbor Department commented, “All in a day’s work.”
For the last couple years, there’s been an abundance of pure unadulterated cuteness going on in the seaside town due to an increase in California Sea Otter families that call Morro Bay home. Mommas and babies are everywhere eating and grooming each other as if no one is watching. But we are and we can’t look away – they are so dang cute! Now is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of these sea creatures in their natural habitat since Morro Bay harbor is experiencing the highest count to date of these adorable critters. A survey taken last May of the Morro Bay harbor documented 36 adult sea otters and nine pups, a significantly higher number than the typical five or fewer otters frequenting the harbor in the early 2000s.
“Large gatherings of otters throughout the harbor have attracted tourists and locals all along the waterfront to experience them in their natural habitat,” explains Jennifer Little, Executive Director of Discover Morro Bay. “You can watch along the shore or rent paddleboards and watch from a safe distance on the water as they forage for food and groom their young. They use rocks and other tools to break open crab and local food sources and are so fun to watch. We’ve seen up to 30 – 40 of them at a time floating around on their backs and enjoying life in Morro Bay.”
Just plop down a beach chair along the Morro Bay Harbor Walk and start watching – they’re everywhere and easy to find. If there isn’t a family of otters hanging out already, they will soon appear. The southeast side of Morro Rock is a great landmark for sea otter viewing as is Coleman beach at the intersection of Embarcadero and Coleman Drive. There are also public viewing spots all along the Embarcadero for wildlife viewing in between the plethora of restaurants, boutique shops and wine bars. To get an even closer look, paddle out in a kayak or rent a boat at Bay Cruisers and Electric Boats. Visitors can also take a ride on the Lost Isle Tiki boat to see the otters and the ever-barking sea lions, which includes a quick detour to the Morro Bay natural sand spit. Kayaks can be rented at Kayak Horizonsand the Kayak Shack.
Experts say what’s really driving the population increase is the abundance of food they find in the waters of Morro Bay. Sea otters are integral to the health of the Morro Bay harbor environment. When viewing otters be very careful as they are wild animals and may react poorly if approached. When viewing from the water, it’s best to stay at least five kayak lengths away at all times and enjoy them in a responsible manner.
Recent Comments