Humans

The sea otter was killed in the 17th and 18th centuries for its priceless pelt. The population rapidly decreased since hunting was not regulated. It was too late, even though the international community ultimately took note and outlawed sea otter commercial hunting in 1911 (Environment Canada, 2011). The final sea otter in Canada was shot and killed around 20 years later. There would not have been a need for a reintroduction strategy, and the population number would have been steady and probably at carrying capacity if it weren't for this horrible exploitation of the sea otters.

Fur is used by people to create crafts. Over time, humans have modified how they hunt otters. They would first utilize arrows and handmade weapons. Later, during the peak of the animal hunt, traps and weapons were invented. Nowadays, most people hunt them using traps.

Some hunters pursue otters only for the excitement of taking one down. Otters are seen as rivals by some, including commercial fisherman, who want to limit their catch. So that they can't consume the fish and other marine life, they kill otters. Otters do, however, occasionally become tangled in fishermen's nets.