How to Report a Stranded Sea Otter


		Don't touch it or try to catch it—it's illegal, and sea otters can bite. Don't pick up an otter pup that seems to be alone in the water—its mother is probably diving for food nearby.
		Keep people and pets away from the otter. Don't wrap a stranded otter in a blanket—it will overheat very quickly.
		Call one of the marine mammal agencies listed AT RIGHT to report the stranding. Wildlife rehabilitation specialists will come and determine whether the otter needs help. If it does, they'll capture it and take it in for care.

Remember, sea otters are wild animals and can deliver a severe bite!
They're protected under two federal acts: the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Only authorized wildlife rehabilitators—like our sea otter program staff—are allowed to catch or move them.

To report a stranded otter, contact one of the following agencies:

In Central California

	Monterey Bay Aquarium (831) 648-4840 (sea otter 24-hour emergency line)
	The Marine Mammal Center's Moss Landing branch (831) 633-6298
	Monterey County SPCA (831) 373-2631

Statewide

	California Marine Mammal Center (415) 289-SEAL
	California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) (916) 653-7764

Inspiring conservation of the oceans