The North American river otter, Lutra canadensis

Identification

River Otters (Lutra canadensis, Fig. 1) 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.

Summary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion

Fence small raceways, tanks, or ponds with 3 x 3-inch (7.6 x 7.6-cm) mesh wire.

Repellents

None are registered.

Toxicants

None are registered.

Fumigants

None are registered.

Trapping

Use Conibear® traps (Nos. 220 and 330), foothold traps (No. 2), and snares to control river otters in damage situations.

For restocking purposes, river otters can be caught in live traps, modified No. 1 1/2 soft-catch traps, and No. 11 long spring traps.

Shooting

If non lethal approaches cannot be employed, shooting with shotgun or small-caliber rifle can be effective in damage situations that involve only one or two otters.