Interactions with Europeans Steller's sea cow

1966 soviet postage stamp depicting bering s second voyage , discovery of commander islands

steller s sea cow wiped out fur traders, seal hunters, , others followed vitus bering s route past habitat alaska. hunted collect valuable subcutaneous fat. 1768, twenty-seven years after had been discovered europeans, species extinct. in 1887 stejneger estimated there had been fewer 1,500 individuals remaining @ time of steller s discovery, , argued there immediate danger of sea cow s extinction.

the first attempt hunt animal steller , other crew members unsuccessful due strength , thick hide. had attempted impale , haul shore using large hook , heavy cable, crew not pierce skin. in second attempt month later harpooner speared animal, , men on shore hauled in while others repeatedly stabbed bayonets. dragged shallow waters, , crew waited until tide receded , beached butcher it. after this, hunted relative ease, challenge being in hauling animal shore. bounty inspired maritime fur traders detour commander islands , restock food supplies during north pacific expeditions.