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.

[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...

[apb]

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......

Nope, no personal quest. Had no idea what the data would indicate. Just wanted to see some real data not the bs that has been flying around here. The data that I've seen shows that you are partially correct: in cases where you have a small contained area, otters can be a problem. I see no indication that they'll eat their weight in fish every day or that they can devistate any place they are present. Show me some real data to back up your hypothesis and I'll happily change my opinion.

Andrew

[mhall]

Nope, no personal quest. Had no idea what the data would indicate. Just wanted to see some real data not the bs that has been flying around here. The data that I've seen shows that you are partially correct: in cases where you have a small contained area, otters can be a problem. I see no indication that they'll eat their weight in fish every day or that they can devistate any place they are present. Show me some real data to back up your hypothesis and I'll happily change my opinion.

Andrew

Yes sir Mr Spock. That BS you posted doesn't disprove or prove anything. I know what I've observed in the field and stand behind what I believe and thats my right to do so.

[apb]

Yes sir Mr Spock. That BS you posted doesn't disprove or prove anything. I know what I've observed in the field and stand behind what I believe and thats my right to do so.

You certainly have the right to believe anything that you want. If you expect anyone to take you seriously you have to actually present solid data. Anecdotal evidence and hyperbol will not go very far in that regard. Like I said, provide some solid evidence and I'll have no problem changing my views on the subject.

Andrew

[mhall]

You certainly have the right to believe anything that you want. If you expect anyone to take you seriously you have to actually present solid data. Anecdotal evidence and hyperbol will not go very far in that regard. Like I said, provide some solid evidence and I'll have no problem changing my views on the subject.

Andrew

Have you considered there may not be any data per say? We have DNR and Conservation officers that go out and make reports on private properties of Otters raping ponds. That was told to me personally by a DNR guy in Indiana. Do I need to get a written signed report for you or did I just make that up, maybe I'm lieing because you know me I do that alot.

Even on Kentucky Afield on one of their call in shows the officers recognized that they can be very problomatic in small waters and in given geographic locations.

Maybe it hasn't went on long enough yet for it to come to light. Maybe the KDFW doesn't want to admit a mistake?
Anybody can look up a wikipedia type thing about Otters. That doesn't mean they can't be a problem. I will do some research and see if there is any way to find documentation of reports taken by CO's about said claims.

Until then you can use words like anecdotal and hyperbol to make me look like an unedumucated redneck I suppose, that certainly solidifies your position, lol.

[mhall]

Oh and it's Hyperbole with an E at least according to the internet, LOL.......

[apb]

...Even on Kentucky Afield on one of their call in shows the officers recognized that they can be very problomatic in small waters and in given geographic locations...

If you read what I wrote in several posts above you'll find that I agree with you on this. In small waters otters can be a problem. I found several sources of data that indicate this (listed in my first post). What I disagree with is that they'll eat their weight in fish every day and they are a problem on all bodies of water. You have yet to provide any data to back this up.

Yeah, my spelling sux!

Andrew