Final signature count: 2,150

2,150 signatures toward our 30,000 goal

We should all be concerned about the future of sea otters. These small, furry creatures are a keystone species¹ of California’s marine ecosystem but they are also one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world², with hunting, habitat loss, and pollution all contributing to their decline.

To make matters worse, sea otters are now facing a new threat: a bacterial infection known as toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect a wide range of mammals, including humans³. Sea otters are particularly vulnerable to this infection because they can become infected by ingesting contaminated water or prey⁴. In addition to toxoplasmosis, sea otters are also vulnerable to other bacterial infections, such as those caused by Streptococcus⁵, Vibrio⁶, and Leptospira⁷.

Sea otters have a weaker immune system compared to other marine mammals, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial infections⁸. Bacterial infections are not only a threat to wild sea otters, but also to those in captivity⁹, where they can spread rapidly and cause significant mortality. In addition to bacterial infections, sea otters are also vulnerable to viral infections, such as the herpes virus¹⁰, which can cause severe disease and death.

Toxoplasmosis can have serious consequences for sea otters, leading to neurological problems, blindness, and even death. A study conducted by the University of California, Davis¹¹, found that toxoplasmosis was responsible for the deaths of nearly 40% of the southern sea otters that were necropsied between 1998 and 2004.

Humans can also be at risk of infection from T. gondii, which can be more severe in people with weakened immune systems¹².

One way you can protect sea otters is to take the Otter Protection Pledge. By taking the pledge, you are committing to taking actions that will help protect sea otters and their habitat. These actions include reducing your use of plastics and other pollutants, disposing of cat litter properly, supporting efforts to reduce runoff from urban and agricultural areas, and reporting sick, injured, or dead sea otters to the appropriate authorities.

Reducing your use of plastics and other pollutants can help reduce the amount of pollution in the ocean that can harm sea otters. Disposing of cat litter properly can help reduce the amount of T. gondii that enters the environment. Supporting efforts to reduce runoff from urban and agricultural areas can help reduce the amount of pollution that enters the ocean. Reporting sick, injured, or dead sea otters can help researchers and conservationists better understand the threats facing these animals and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Sea otters are an important part of the marine ecosystem and an iconic symbol of the California coast. By taking the Otter Protection Pledge, you can help protect these amazing animals and ensure that they continue to thrive in the wild. So what are you waiting for? Take the pledge today and join the effort to protect sea otters and their habitat!