Dead and dying sea otters are being found along the Aleutian Islands and the Alaska Peninsula.
During an aerial survey in March, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service counted 56 dead otters from Cold Bay to Pilot Point.
Otters in Port Moller and Nelson Lagoon tested positive for streptococcus infection -- a common cause of sea otter mortality.
Unalaska Sea Grant agent Melissa Good has collected three dead otters in Unalaska. But she says she doesn't believe they are linked to the greater die-off or the recent, unusual sightings of ringed seals around the island.
If you come across a sick or dead sea otter, call U.S. Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-362-5148 or Melissa Good at 581-1876.
