The Exxon Valdez killed thousands of sea otters and otters were also effected by the Braer disaster in Shetland. Otters communicate using vocal expression such as whistles, birdlike twittering and spitting. They can also communicate using spraint. Over 100 different scent components of otter dropping have been identified. About 17 of these are thought to contain information on sex, age and even individual recognition, which can be used by other otters.
Otters tend to live alone, except during mating and for a short time after the cubs are born.
The young will stay with the mother for approximately 13-15 months. Although otter cubs can be born at any time of the year, we find there is a definite preference for spring and again in late autumn. On average 2-3 cubs are born, weighing only 40g, covered in a pale grey fur and with closed eyes. They develop slowly and the eyes will open in five weeks. At seven weeks they will start to run and take solid food.