The Otter Spotters: A Wildlife Adventure in Alaska (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781440161308)

"This is, indeed, an "Alaskan adventure." For two years this resourceful couple experienced intense and dangerous situations, yet they persevered and learned a tremendous amount about sea otters."
-Ancel M. Johnson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sea Otter Biologist, retired

A white-headed male sea otter paddles on his back, patrolling his territory, while he rubs his round fuzzy face with his dexterous forepaws. Suddenly, he notices a young couple on shore and pops straight up in the water to have a better look. As two people stare back at him through a high-powered telescope, these three have one thing in common-curiosity.

The Otter Spotters chronicles the incredible journey of Minnesotans Dave and Judy Garshelis, who spent over a year in the wilderness of Prince William Sound, Alaska, studying sea otters. While working from remote field locations and traveling by open skiff, they faced relentless rain, rough seas, bears, mechanical failures, and perilous mishaps, all while completing one of the most comprehensive studies of this fascinating species. This captivating story includes unforgettable adventures, as well as detailed documentation of the otters' social relationships, feeding, activity patterns, and breeding behaviors. Here is a rare insider's view of the true essence of wildlife research: from the day-to-day drudgery of checking capture nets at 4:00 AM to evening brainstorming sessions under the warm glow of a Coleman lantern, interspersed with the occasional "Eureka!" moments that make it all worthwhile.

Author: Swain Garshelis Judy Swain Garshelis, Judy Swain Garshelis
ISBN-10: 1440161305
ISBN-13: 9781440161308
Publisher: iUniverse
Language: English
Published: 09/01/2009
Pages: 192
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.64lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.44d