Contact:

Dave Jessup, DFG Wildlife Veterinarian, 831-469-1726
Carol Singleton, DFG Communications Officer, 916-327-9948

DFG Seeks Information on Theft of Sea Otter Radio Receiver
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is seeking information concerning the theft of a radio signal receiver unit near Santa Cruz last week. The receiver, worth approximately $7,000 and about the size of a lunch box, was stolen from a hill above Sunset State Beach. It was being used to track the location and health of a rehabilitated sea otter.

The southern sea otter is a protected species under both state and federal endangered species laws. Its population has been declining, and only about 2,800 remain off the coast of California. Information collected by radio signal receivers is used by researchers to better understand the health threats that affect sea otters in order to help restore their numbers.

The stolen device was being used to track information about an otter found at Sunset State Beach in February. The animal, nicknamed "Olive," was covered in oil from a natural oil seep and underwent six weeks of rehabilitation at DFG's Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center in Santa Cruz. She was released back into Monterey Bay in April, and scientists continued to track her whereabouts and health through the receiver. The theft was discovered by an employee during a weekly visit to download data.

The receiver looks like a small silver metal box with dials and gauges, and was in a brown case when it was taken. It weighs about four pounds. Because of its specific nature, it cannot be used for commercial or private purposes.

Anyone with information about the theft or whereabouts of the receiver is asked to call 1-888-DFG-Caltip (1-888-334-2258). Callers may remain anonymous. For more information about Olive, please visit her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Olive-the-Oiled-Otter/53658228021.