OTTER CONTROL

This article is about OTTER control. It will explain why otters can be a problem and what needs to be done for controlling local populations. PLEASE NOTE: YOU CAN SEE PICTURES AND PRICING OF ALL THE PRODUCTS LISTED IN THIS ARTICLE BY CLICKING YOUR MOUSE CURSOR WHERE PRODUCTS APPEAR UNDERLINED IN THE TEXT BELOW. Most of your questions will be answered in the article. Be sure to read all of it before you call in for technical support. If you are looking for information on some other type of weasel, insect or animal, go to our article archive section by following the link below where you will find in depth articles and information on just about any pest.

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River otters are best known for their playful behavior and "cute" face. Everyone loves otters and just watching them forage and play is a treat. But they can present a problem for some people. Anyone with a private lake or pond with fish knows what an otter can do. Within a short period of time, most any adult otter can have a huge impact on the local fish population. This article will discuss what you can do if you have an unwanted otter eating all the fish in your local waterway.

River otters were once plentiful across most of North America. During the late 1800's and early 20th century, these numbers dwindled dramatically. In response to this drop in population, regulations were put in place to help reduce the amount being lost to trapping and recreational hunting. For the most part, these efforts have helped. The river otter is now found throughout most of the southeast, northeast and northwest states of America and pretty much anywhere in Canada. Undaunted by cold temps, the river otter seems to only need unfrozen water and a good supply of fish to keep him happy. For this reason, he can become a costly nuisance for many people. Anyone with a private lake, pond or other aquatic habitat is all too familiar with the kind of impact a foraging otter can make. Although otters will sometimes dine on shellfish or reptiles, they love fish. And just about any type of fish. Just as long as it's plentiful and easy to catch, otters will take advantage.

If you've got an unwanted otter and need to do some otter control, live trapping will be your best option. Some states prohibit killing an otter so it may be your only option. The good news is trapping an otter is easy. Be sure to get a trap which is large enough to fit your otter comfortably. Adult males can reach lengths in excess of 4 feet and weigh over 30 lbs. However, most will be smaller and usually the 30 or 36 inch trap will do the job. If you think you've got a big male, get either the 42" or 48" long trap. These can all be seen on our OTTER TRAPS page. Since otters have been known to travel as far as 10 miles in one night, be sure to relocate them at least 25 miles away to insure they don't return. Use our SALMON PASTE as lure in your set for a quick catch. Sometimes some OTTER LURE might be better suited if you're unsure of what they might be eating.

Another method of live trapping can involve the use of leghold traps. Both COIL TRAPS and LONGSPRING TRAPS can catch an otter, keep it alive and enable you to relocate the animal. These traps do take some expertise to handle and set but are quite effective when used by someone who knows how to utilize them properly. Wildlife control companies use these traps for otter as they can make many sets and cover a lot of area insuring a quick catch. SNARES can also be used as a way to catch them alive. Like Coil or Longspring traps, Snares require some skill in order to make a good set. In other words, don't get them thinking you'll be able to make successful sets with little or no prior experience.

Lastly, there are some kill trap options that can be utilized. BODY GRIP TRAPS, also known as Conibear Traps, are probably the easiest and most common one used on otter. The 220 or 330 should be big enough. These traps can be placed in a "run" or slide where otter are moving and active. Such locations are commonly found where otter enter a pond or lake. These pathways can also be found by otter "toilets". Since otter like to defecate in the same area over and over, access points can be easy to find. Making a set with a Body Grip Trap at such locations can be productive. BUCKET GUARD TRAPS also work well since the trap can be baited with some Salmon Paste. No otter can ignore the lure of this bait. Upon entering the trap, they will meet a quick and efficient death. Be sure to use SAFETY GRIPPERS when dealing with body grip traps and SETTERS can also prove to be extremely helpful.

River Otters are almost a welcome guest on any property. Their playful nature, cute demeanor and high energy antics make them adored all the world over. But they can have a bad impact on your local pond or lake. If you need to trap out some nuisance otters, consider live traps since they're quite easy to catch and relocate. Kill traps should be used as a last resort.

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