California pelicans adapt to avoid river otters after 73 deaths at lagoon

River otters at Abbotts Lagoon in California have been killing brown pelicans, with 73 dead birds discovered across 19 research visits. The predation is linked to a growing otter population in Northern California. Although otters typically feed on fish, larger birds offer a significantly higher caloric reward. Researchers note that the pelicans are now showing signs of behavioral adaptation, learning to steer clear of hunting otters.