California sea otters are an endangered species. When three of the animals were found shot dead, the hunt was on for those responsible. A reward of $21,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers. The offer was announced by federal wildlife officials on 14 February. 

The sea otters were shot in the Monterey Peninsula, near Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, last September. Two of the gentle creatures received fatal shots to the head, while the third was shot in the back. One male was found on 3 September 2013, and two other males were found along the same beach 48 hours later. Officials believe the animals met their end between the first and fifth of that month. 

The marine mammals are around four feet long. Females weigh an average of 45 pounds, while males are generally 20 pounds heavier. Their lung capacity is two-and-a-half times greater than land mammals of a similar size. These intelligent creatures use tools when consuming food. Pairs of rocks are used as hammers and anvils to break open mollusk shells, a culinary delight to the animals. They have excellent eyesight, and use their whiskers to sense vibrations underwater. 

California sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900's, due to the actions of hunters, killing the animals for their fur. Just 50 of the animals, also called southern sea otters, survived near the Big Sur coast. Today, the species is on the federal list of endangered animals. Prospects for the species are slowly improving, although fewer than 3,000 of the animals are known to exist. 

The animals are protected by the Endangered Species Act, as well as the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Responsible parties, when located, could be subject to a fine of up to $100,000, as well as face possible jail time. 

The senseless act of killing  has perplexed some investigators. "I don't know why someone would want to shoot an otter. [T]hey're not a threat to fisheries," Laird Henkel, of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), told the press. 

Reward money was collected from a wide range of civic groups and other donors. These include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Humane Society of the United States, and the CDFW. 

"We want to bring things full circle and find the people responsible for this act," Rebecca Roca, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resident Agent in Charge, told reporters. 

Anyone with information on the crime is urged to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Special agent Souphanya can be contacted at (650) 876-9078, or people may file an anonymous report by calling (703) 358-1949.