" RAFT OF OTTERS "
Robert Bateman

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Alaska was sold by Russia to America in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars. (2 cents and acre). The major
reason for a Russian presence in the North American continent was the fur trade. By far, the most
precious of the fur-bearing animals was the sea otter. Their underfur has 150,000 hairs per square
centimeter. Over 1 million of these animals were killed for their fur beginning in the 18th century.

There were also quite easy to catch since they are gregarious and float around in "rafts" of up to
several hundred. By the mid 19th century their numbers were dwindling and the market for furs
had changed. Alaska, being a great distance from the centre of power of Russia in the far west,
became of less interest to their rulers.

The Sea otters were close to extinction for most of the 20th century but a number of colonies
were introduced along the Pacific coast of America and now they are spreading across
their former range.

On a recent fishing trip to south-east Alaska we saw many "rafts" of these creatures. Their blond,
furry heads and inquisitive expressions give them an endearing and appealing quality.
Robert Bateman

Raft of Otters - Robert Bateman

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