There is a boom in sea otter population along the California coast this year. However, local officials say environmental threats still pose a danger to the creature.

The sea otter count in California this year revealed an overall increase in their population, according to a report by the U.S. Geological Survey. This means that otters might soon be removed from the Endangered Species List as their population continues to grow.

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According to ecologist Tim Tinker from the USGS otter research program, the high count of otters this year is partially due to excellent viewing conditions and increased food availability.

Researchers conducted aerial and ground surveys of the San Mateo County to Rincon Point coasts along the Santa Barbara and Ventura County line during spring. They also took into account sea otters living on San Nicolas Island off Ventura County.

To qualify for the removal from the list of threatened species, sea otters' population index should reach and exceed a three year average of 3,090 for three consecutive years.

This year, sea otter population in the region yielded a three year average of 3,272, as opposed to 3,054 last year.

However, biologists say there are still large otter populations stranded in these areas including those victimized by lethal shark attacks. This apparently resulted in the dropping numbers of otters along the northern and southern range of the region.

Sea otters used to be seen virtually everywhere along the coast of California. However, hunters almost wiped most of them out by the early 1900s.

Surveys began in the 1980s when the California sea otter was listed as a threatened species. Federal and state wildlife agencies quickly carried out programs to protect the dwindling otter population.