Facts about Otters

[apb]

I've seen a number of posts over the last few weeks on otters and their supposed negative effects on fish populations. Figured it was worth checking out some actual sources for info rather than rely on the info provided in the posts. Some info below followed by the sources I used for this info. Based on these data, I find no support for the contention by some here that otters have a devistating effect on fish populations in our local rivers and creeks.

Adult otters weigh up to 30 pounds, though 15 to 19 pounds is average.

In addition to fish, they'll also eat clams,crayfish, frogs, turtles, and a variety of small critters (chipmunks, mices, young rabbits, and even some birds). They mostly hunt at night. Otters eat up to 3.3 pounds of fish a day. They prefer fish in the 6 to 7 inch range as they have a hard time catching smaller (less than 4 inches) and larger (bigger than 7 inches) fish. They'll mostly eat slower moving fish such as suckers, carp, and various minnow species. When they are commonly available, otters will eat a lot of crayfish. In areas that are very contained (e.g., small pond) otters can have an effect on fish populations. Where fish are not restrained by boundaries, otters have little to no effect on local fish populations.

Several land preditors eat them. In KY, this would be mostly coyote and fox.

Otters used to be plentiful in many areas, but their populations have greatly declined due to habitat loss and trapping.

sources:
River Otter: Minnesota DNR
https://www.defenders.org/north-amer...er/basic-facts
North American River Otters, North American River Otter Pictures, North American River Otter Facts - National Geographic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_...an_river_otter

[fishincreek]

Andrew Andrew Andrew. What has all this rain done to you my dear friend? I have spoken to too many folks that their reliable fishing pond is now void of a fishable population of bass due to the arrival of an otter or two. Most likely due to the tight quarters of ponds. I can understand maybe lakes and rivers where a faster fish can escape, but a different set-up in a "fishbowl"-like pond. I am sure there are some that don't mind seeing otters in their fishing areas, but I am not one of them.

[Denver1911]

Andrew Andrew Andrew. What has all this rain done to you my dear friend? I have spoken to too many folks that their reliable fishing pond is now void of a fishable population of bass due to the arrival of an otter or two. Most likely due to the tight quarters of ponds. I can understand maybe lakes and rivers where a faster fish can escape, but a different set-up in a "fishbowl"-like pond. I am sure there are some that don't mind seeing otters in their fishing areas, but I am not one of them.

Never let the facts get in the way of a good excuse to not catch fish

BTW, he did say that in contained areas such as small ponds, otters can have an impact.

[Carter1]

I saw a giant otter at Guist Creek last year. But it may be gone now because they had to trap a couple of them due to damage being done to a boat or two and getting into the main building there. I also saw an open mussel shell on practically every flat rock I passed while fishing.

[dac244]

I've seen a number of posts over the last few weeks on otters and their supposed negative effects on fish populations. Figured it was worth checking out some actual sources for info rather than rely on the info provided in the posts. Some info below followed by the sources I used for this info. Based on these data, I find no support for the contention by some here that otters have a devistating effect on fish populations in our local rivers and creeks.

Adult otters weigh up to 30 pounds, though 15 to 19 pounds is average.

In addition to fish, they'll also eat clams,crayfish, frogs, turtles, and a variety of small critters (chipmunks, mices, young rabbits, and even some birds). They mostly hunt at night. Otters eat up to 3.3 pounds of fish a day. They prefer fish in the 6 to 7 inch range as they have a hard time catching smaller (less than 4 inches) and larger (bigger than 7 inches) fish. They'll mostly eat slower moving fish such as suckers, carp, and various minnow species. When they are commonly available, otters will eat a lot of crayfish. In areas that are very contained (e.g., small pond) otters can have an effect on fish populations. Where fish are not restrained by boundaries, otters have little to no effect on local fish populations.

Several land preditors eat them. In KY, this would be mostly coyote and fox.

Otters used to be plentiful in many areas, but their populations have greatly declined due to habitat loss and trapping.

sources:
River Otter: Minnesota DNR
https://www.defenders.org/north-amer...er/basic-facts
North American River Otters, North American River Otter Pictures, North American River Otter Facts - National Geographic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_...an_river_otter

I was told by a trapper that in creeks during low water periods they can be very detrimental too the fish population.

[inrll]

The past two summers have been very dry causing creeks like Eagle Creek to basically become a series of ponds during those months. That's why the otters on Elkhorn haven't been as damaging because of its spring fed nature, never going nearly still in dry months like Eagle. That info also mentions twice that crawdads are a major food source for otters which means less food for the fish. You info kind of supports what people are saying about otters hurting fishing.

[apb]

In response to several posters: yes, the data show that in a few specific instances (confined areas) otters can cause problems. Eating crawfish, so what? The data on those indicate that if they are plentiful, otters will eat them. If they are that plentiful, then it seems like there would be plenty for the fish too. Also note the sizes of fish that otters target, smaller stuff that fishermen would release. Also that they target species such as suckers, carp, minnows. Few people also target those species.

From what folks have stated on this forum, otters eat their weight in fish every day and will clean out any place. Simply not true. That is my main point: the missinformation. Also bear in mind that otters were here long before europeans ever set foot on US soil. If otters are as bad as some make them out to be, then there would not be any fish left by the time europeans got here.

Andrew

[mhall]

Andrew Andrew Andrew. What has all this rain done to you my dear friend? I have spoken to too many folks that their reliable fishing pond is now void of a fishable population of bass due to the arrival of an otter or two. Most likely due to the tight quarters of ponds. I can understand maybe lakes and rivers where a faster fish can escape, but a different set-up in a "fishbowl"-like pond. I am sure there are some that don't mind seeing otters in their fishing areas, but I am not one of them.

Creek you are waisting your time he is on some personal quest to discount the theory that Otters are bad for our waterways. You and I need to slap some sense into him, LOL...
He won't listen to me either......

[mhall]

I saw a family of Otters at Cedar creek lake catch and eat what looked to be an at least three pound plus largemouth and they did it right in front of me and seemingly laughed at me from the bank...

[mhall]

I was told by a trapper that in creeks during low water periods they can be very detrimental too the fish population.

BINGO................We have a winner. They don't have anywhere to go when trapped in pools, it's the same scenario as a pond....

[toomanycasts]

If they are native they should be there. Maybe the fish aren't gone. You might need to adapt your approach. Sounds like when people have an unhealthy fear of snakes and act irrationally.

[mhall]

So basically all these landowners that had stocked ponds that allowed limited to no fishing at all were happy as Larks. Then they see the cute cuddly little Otters show up and in a short time they have nothing...these guys are all lieing and making this stuff up.

Wooly Mammoths were here once to, if they were available should we introduce them back to the environment also? Awe Hell lets let Timberwolves go and maybe some Sabertooth Tigers while we're at it, lol...
Who are you people, lol...