An intensified study of the California population of sea otters, (Enhydra lutris), utilizing aerial and shoreline surveys has indicated a population in excess of 1,000 sea otters between Seaside, Monterey County, and Point Estero, San Luis Obispo County. An analysis of past and present data indicates that the population can be divided into two groups; the northern part extending from Seaside to Point Sur, Monterey County, and the southern extending from Point Sur to Point Estero. The southern group is still expanding into new range whereas all suitable habitat in the northern portion of the range has been inhabited by sea otters. An analysis of the patterns of population growth suggest that the central California population may be nearing a maximal size.
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