A standardized hierarchy was established to rank primary and contributing cause(s) of death, and sequelae such as secondary bacterial infection. The primary and contributing cause(s) of death were determined based on gross lesions, histopathology and diagnostic tests, including systematic serology and biochemical testing. Our sample population included a subset of opportunistically collected animals, and all tagged otters that fit the above selection criteria. Enrollment was limited to fresh carcasses (minimal tissue decomposition), with detailed necropsy performed from 1998 through 2012, including all eligible subadult (1–4 years), adult (4–10 years), or aged adult (>10 years) otters of either sex younger animals were excluded due to limited examination by veterinary pathologists, and lower probability of guiding key conservation decisions. To address this knowledge gap and update our understanding of the causes of mortality, our multi-agency team compiled data from 560 SSO necropsies between 1998 –2012. Highly recommended.The southern sea otter (SSO Enhydra lutris nereis), like many threatened carnivores, faces many threats to recovery, and effective conservation depends on a clear understanding of causes of mortality and associated risk factors. Present-day adults and kids will be proud of Janette. Interludes with bears, wolves and especially a rapacious mountain lion are as terrifying as any horror novel.

Narrated in simple country prose, pleasing to the reader, Janette’s impressive efforts to keep herself alive entrance us, especially considering she is alone, with only her father’s lessons to guide her.

The worst happens, and the teenage girl is suddenly alone in the most hostile environment imaginable. In the foothills of the Rockies as winter approaches, Janette’s kin leave to find food as she stays behind. Over 50 years later, her spoiled great-granddaughter, who discovers and reads an ancient diary, ensnares us in the first few pages into Janette’s tragic but incredibly triumphant ordeal. Fourteen-year-old Janette Riker reluctantly departs with her father and brothers to a better land. This short novel, based on a historical fragment, is convincing. It just seems our forebears were so much tougher than us. 1849, the American West: a little family moves for a better life from Missouri to Oregon.

Stranded by Jessica Frances