* Population fluctuations: Sea otter populations vary greatly depending on location and environmental conditions. Some areas have stable populations, while others are struggling.
* Causes of death: Sea otters face various threats like disease, predation, oil spills, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat loss. These factors can significantly influence the mortality rate.
* Data collection: Tracking the number of sea otter deaths is challenging due to the remote nature of their habitat and their ability to sink after death.
Instead of an exact number, we can consider these factors:
* Overall, sea otter populations are still considered vulnerable or endangered, suggesting a significant number of deaths each year.
* The California Sea Otter population, which is relatively well studied, shows an average annual mortality rate of around 10% based on available data.
It's important to remember that even though we might not know the exact number, protecting sea otters and their habitats is crucial to their survival.