Watch rare footage of wolf hunting sea otter in Alaska at low tide

Wolves (Canis lupis) have been observed hunting sea otters along Alaska's coast since 2016.  (Image credit: Landon Bazeley/Kelsey Griffin)

Wolves on the Alaskan coast now regularly kill and eat sea otters and harbor seals, scientists have discovered. The finding suggests that the coastal wolves can adapt their hunting behavior — and may have developed unique strategies to prey on marine mammals when food on land is scarce. 

The study into coastal wolf hunting behaviour began in 2016 when scientists spotted a solitary wolf carrying a sea otter carcass at Swikshak Bay. In 2018 and 2019, scientists again observed wolves carrying sea otter carcasses. However, whether the wolves were hunting or scavenging was unclear.