[Cincinatus' Wife]

Early in 2011 - March 6th, 2011: "A recent decline in California sea otter population, yielded an unlikely cause: shark attacks. We say unlikely, because the sharks don’t actually eat the sea otters, but the bites are enough to cause a kill. The decline is seen both in the adult and pups population. But Dr. Melissa Miller of the California Department of Fish and Game says that sharks are not the only cause.

“We know something’s happening where otters that are prime-aged animals are dying of heart failure,” Miller said. Heart failure might be caused by toxic runoff says Tim Tinker of the U.S. Geological Survey. In a continuous effort to revive the sea otter population, researchers are capturing otters and are looking at any precursors to various disease or signs of malnutrition. Hopefully, findings will provide some insight and direction for future efforts."...... Source

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THE NUMBERS ARE UP from a year ago even though more kills are attributed to sharks. Time for progressives to turn the green screws a bit tighter. No?

[abb]

I am reliably told that all of God’s living creatures, plant or animal, have a 100% mortality rate.

[ryan71]

“We know something’s happening where otters that are prime-aged animals are dying of heart failure,” Miller said. Heart failure might be caused by toxic runoff says Tim Tinker of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Laughable. Did Tim Tinker (the government thinker) ever consider that great white shark attacks might be causing sea otter heart attacks? Kill all great white sharks.

[SargeK]

"... an alarming uptick in shark attacks."

Huh. Big apex predator adapts to newly abundant rich food source. Who'd a thunk it?"

[E. Pluribus Unum]

A larger population would have more deaths, unless you live in Disney Land where nothing ever dies.

[JimRed]

They are a food source for great whites and killer whales. More food attracts more predators.

[SkyDancer]

The way a progressive looks at it, the glass is always full. Part liquid the rest air.

[randita]

outdoor ping

[Wombat Ark]

Unlike many humans, sharks GO WHERE THE FOOD IS! (I sure miss Sam Kenison....)

[GreenHornet]

Somebody has to say it: “Oh, the Huge Manatee!”