River otter (Lutra canadensis)

The Definitive Guide to Otter Control and Where to Find a
Wildlife Control Professional!

Are you frustrated and tired of dealing with the Damage caused by WILDLIFE. This site deals with WILDLIFE DAMAGE and steps the "Do it yourselfer" can take to protecting your property from the damage caused by Wildlife in your area.

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Identification

River otters (Lutra canadensis) are best known for their continuous and playful behavior, their aesthetic value, and the value of their durable, high-quality fur. They have long, streamlined bodies, short legs, and a robust, tapered tail, all of which are well adapted to their mostly aquatic habitat. They have prominent whiskers just behind and below the nose, thick muscular necks and shoulders, and feet that are webbed between the toes. Their short but thick, soft fur is brown to almost black except on the chin, throat, cheeks, chest, and occasionally the belly, where it is usually lighter, varying from brown to almost beige.

Range

River otters occur throughout North America except the arctic slopes, the arid portions of the Southwest, and the intensive agricultural and industrialized areas of the Midwestern United States.

They inhabit lakes, rivers, streams, bays, estuaries, and associated riparian habitats. They occur at much higher densities in regions of the Great Lakes, in brackish marshes and inlets, and in other coastal habitats than farther inland. In colder climates, otters frequent rapids and waterfall areas that remain ice-free.

Damage Caused by Otters

The presence of river otter(s) around or in a fish hatchery, aquaculture, or fish culture facility is a good indication that a damage problem is imminent.

Although individual incidences of river otter damage and predation on fish can cause substantial losses to pond owners and to fresh water and marine aqua cultural interests, their total effects are believed to be insignificant. Given the otter’s aesthetic and recreational value, and its current legal status, consideration of broad control programs are unwarranted and undesirable.

Control Methods

Careful assessment should be made of reported damage to determine if non lethal preventative measures can be employed, and to ensure that if any lethal corrective measures are employed, they do not violate state or federal laws.

Fencing with 3 x 3-inch (7.6 x 7.6-cm) or smaller mesh wire can be an economically effective method of preventing damage at aquacultural sites that are relatively small, or where fish or aquaculture activities are concentrated.

For persistant problems, trapping and shooting may be effective if allowed in your state.

For best results contact a Wildlife Control Professional. For more information on Control methods and equipment, click here.