Otter females are called bitches or sows, and their offspring are called pups. The collective nouns for otters are bevy, family, lodge, romp (being descriptive of their often playful nature) or, when in water, raft. The feces of otters are typically identified by their distinctive aroma, the smell of which has been described as ranging from freshly mown hay to putrefied fish; these are known as spraints. The gestation period in otters is about 60 to 86 days. The newborn pup is cared for by the bitch, dog and older offspring. Bitch otters reach sexual maturity at approximately two years of
The Marine Mammal Center better understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants, communities will care for and respect the oceans. Video: "A Day in the Life of the Marine Mammal Center" The ultimate goal is for every animal rescued by The Marine Mammal Center to be released back to the ocean with a second chance at life. Since 1975, the center has rescued over 20,000 marine mammals, mostly California sea lions, northern elephant seals, and Pacific harbor seals. The center can have upwards of 275 animals at the hospital at one time. In the spring time, the center rescues mostly young elephant seal and