Please Observe Strict Ethics with Sea Otters
If you come across California sea otters and are lucky enough to watch or photograph them, please observe the most stringent cautions about not disturbing them. Human disruption causes significant problems for sea otters. Take the time to read these guidelines from a great organization — about respecting the space and needs of sea otters: Be Sea Otter Savvy + #RespectTheNap
Photos of Southern Sea Otters
Southern sea otter photos from the California coast on Monterey Bay and Morro Bay.
These photos were taken from a respectful distance, with telephoto lens (600-800mm equivalent). I shoot primarily from the shore, from docks, or piers. In the images here, sea otters were engaging their normal behavior (feeding, swimming, tending to pups), not noticeably disturbed by human presence or activity on the shore.
A sea otter mother sharing a crab with her pup
[Moss Landing, California]
A sea otter eating a Kellet’s whelk (Kelletia)
[Monterey, California]
A sea otter napping with low-intensity grooming
[Monterey, California]
Southern sea otter eating large urchin
[Monterey, California]
Sea otter pup calling to mom as she forages
[Monterey, California]
Southern sea otter grooming
[Moss Landing, California]
