Read Part One of Article B on sea otters. If you have ever watched sea otters swim and play at your local zoo, you know they are extraordinary animals. But did you know they are under threat of extinction? That means no more sea otters in the wild and fewer in captivity. Sea otters have been on the Endangered Species List for over 45 years, but there are actions humans can take to protect them.

The Fur Trade

In the 1800s, sea otters were hunted for their fur. The fur trade between North America and Europe was booming, and sea otter fur was a popular option because of its thickness. By the mid-20th century, sea otters had been hunted to near extinction. Only 1,000−2,000 sea otters were believed to be living in the wild in 1929. Many people thought the species would soon become extinct. However, due to conservation efforts during the second half of the 20th century, sea otter populations recovered. The strengthening of the numbers of sea otters in the wild is often considered to be one of the greatest successes in marine conservation.

Despite their comeback, sea otters are sadly still an endangered species. This is due to predators and human impact on the sea otter's habitat.

Predators

Sea otters are threatened by other animals in the water and on land. Killer whales are one of the sea otter's main predators now that the seal and sea lion populations are declining. Sharks, sea lions, and eagles also pluck sea otters from the water while bears and coyotes will hunt them on land. Sea otters use their intelligence to outsmart some of their predators. They also use their sharp teeth to protect themselves.

What is the author's point of view on the reason the sea otter population recovered?

Sea otters learned to eat a more varied diet, saving themselves from extinction.

More people started owning sea otters as pets, which increased their number.

Laws were passed to shorten the number of months in sea otter hunting season.

Conservation efforts in the last half of the twentieth century saved sea otters.