River otters (Lontra canadensis) are now found throughout most of Indiana, thanks to efforts of the DNR and its partners.
Are river otters protected in Indiana?
In 2005, river otters were removed from Indiana’s endangered species list.
What states do river otters live in?
River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes.
Can you shoot river otters in Indiana?
The river otter trapping season is from Nov. 15 through March 15 and only in counties open for harvest. A valid Indiana trapping license is required to set traps for river otters.
Are there otters in central Indiana?
Otters have moved into central Indiana, where the habitat wasn’t considered ideal for the species. But otters found suitable areas there to live, according to Scott Johnson, nongame biologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Where can I see river otters in Indiana?
- Bodine State Fish Hatchery.
- Cikana State Fish Hatchery.
- Curtis Creek Trout Rearing Station.
- Driftwood State Fish Hatchery.
- East Fork State Fish Hatchery.
- Fawn River State Fish Hatchery.
- Mixsawbah State Fish Hatchery.
What big cats live in Indiana?
Bobcats, the only resident native wild cat in Indiana, are common in southern and parts of central Indiana, and increasing in northern Indiana. They are rarely seen because of their ability to blend into their surroundings and move silently.
Are otters aggressive?
Otters live near lakes or ponds and burrow in ditches, so interaction with people can occur. With their sweet appearance and playful nature, it may seem impossible that otters are dangerous. However, otters can be aggressive when necessary. The animals sometimes even hunt snakes to supplement their usual diet of fish.
Are river otters rare?
Current estimates place the population between 1,000 and 5,000, placing it among the endangered otter species.
Are river otters friendly?
Nicole Duplaix, who chairs the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Otter Specialist Group, said otters are known for being friendly animals, but, like most other creatures, keep their distance from humans.
Is there a bounty on coyotes in Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources opposes the proposed coyote bounty. The state has a long history with bounty systems that ended in 1970, but the DNR says they have never been shown to control predator populations or improve game populations. The state does not keep a count of Indiana’s coyote population.
Can I shoot a bobcat in Indiana?
Bobcats are still a protected species in the state, meaning they cannot be hunted or trapped. Their current status as well as increases in the amount of habitat available has allowed them to further increase their range in the state. Between 1970 and 2012, the IDNR confirmed bobcat reports in 52 Indiana counties.
Can I shoot a raccoon on my property in Indiana?
Resident landowners and tenants can trap a raccoon that is causing damage on their own property without a permit from the DNR. The raccoon must be euthanized or released within the county of capture on private property in which you have permission to release the raccoon.
Did moose ever live in Indiana?
The last time a moose was documented in the state was about 5 years ago in Northern Indiana. In this case, a trail camera captured four shots of the animal in the Southern Indiana private park. IDNR says the animal walked past the camera on December 26th.
What is the difference between an otter and a muskrat?
Muskrats are medium sized rodents that measure 1-2 feet long, while river otters are 2-4 times longer than a muskrat. Additionally, the tails of muskrats are small, slender, and can appear scaled from a distance, while otter tails are longer, thicker, and visibly furred.
Are there wolves in Indiana?
There is currently no breeding population of wolves in Indiana, however, people may own domestic dog/wolf hybrids which can escape or run loose and easily be confused with a wild wolf. You can report a sighting of these animals online.
What time of day are river otters most active?
Though river otters are not strictly nocturnal, they are generally more active at night, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall.
How do you spot a river otter?
Look for large ripples on the surface of the water, lots of bubbles and a 3 to 4 foot-long animal with a long thick tail. The tail is about a third of the body length of the otter. Otters are dark and sleek in the water. Otters have a large black hairless nose (rhinarium).
Do otters come out at night?
River otters may be either diurnal or nocturnal; most are generally more active at night. Giant otters are strictly diurnal. Clawless otters are mainly nocturnal, though some individuals may be active during the day in remote areas that are free of human disturbance.
Does Indiana have Wolverines?
The fisher and wolverine were rare in Hoosierland in the past and the black rat was never welcomed, but the last one was reported in 1845. So as you can see in spite of man’s best efforts most of the mammals that once roamed our state can still be seen in the wild or in captivity.
Do mountain lions live in Indiana?
Indiana has no breeding population of mountain lions. However, data collected by the Cougar Network and other states over the past decade suggest mountain lions are appearing outside their traditional Western range. This may be the result of an increase in mountain lion numbers in Western states.