One of the best things about exploring the Oregon Coast is that you never know what you’ll see.
Last week, we had the incredible treat of watching two river otters at Rainbow Rock near Brookings. They ran out toward the ocean, retreated, and then ventured back out again—all with the glorious backdrop of Rainbow Rock and waves crashing along the shore.
It was one of those unforgettable Oregon Coast moments that makes you stop, watch and appreciate the wild beauty around you.
River otters are found throughout Oregon and are comfortable in rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters. They are excellent swimmers and can travel between waterways over land. Seeing them along the coast is just one more reminder of how much wildlife shares this beautiful place we call home.
But did you know Oregon once had sea otters, too?
Sea otters are a completely different species. They spend nearly their entire lives in the ocean and are considered a keystone species, playing an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. By eating sea urchins and other marine animals, sea otters can help protect kelp forests and the many species that depend on them.
Sadly, sea otters were hunted extensively during the maritime fur trade because their incredibly dense fur was highly valuable. After centuries of hunting, they disappeared from Oregon. The last known Oregon sea otter was killed near Newport in 1906.
There was a brief attempt to bring them back. In 1970 and 1971, 93 sea otters from Alaska were released along the southern Oregon Coast. Some survived and even produced pups, but the population eventually disappeared.
Today, there is new hope.
The Elakha Alliance is working with scientists, tribes, conservation groups, fishermen and coastal communities to determine how sea otters could successfully be reintroduced to Oregon. Their goal is to restore a missing piece of Oregon’s coastal ecosystem and potentially help rebuild healthier kelp and nearshore habitats. We are donating a portion of our sales from any Brookings By the Sea Otter merchandise to support the Elakha Alliance.
For those of us who love exploring Brookings and the Southern Oregon Coast, wildlife encounters like our river otter sighting are a privilege. They also come with a responsibility.
We’re sharing their home.
When hiking, walking the beach or exploring with our dogs, keeping pets under control and giving wildlife plenty of space helps protect the animals that make this coast so special. Our dogs may be curious, but wildlife needs room to move, feed and raise their young without being chased or disturbed.
At Brookings by the Sea, we believe the best adventures are the ones where we can experience nature while leaving it wild.
And maybe someday, alongside our river otter sightings, we’ll once again have the chance to watch sea otters swimming along the Oregon Coast.