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Otter (Laura canadensis)
Having webbed feet, otter are very well adapted for life in the water. Their scats are highly variable, but usually they contain masses of fish scales and bones. Otter slides and twisted tufts of grass (scent posts) are other signs of this highly prized furbearer.
Reproduction
Young otter are born in April and May, with average litter sizes of one to five young. Both adults assist in rearing the young, and the family group remains together for about a year. Adult otter may mate for life. Otter dens are frequently located in bank holes, hollow logs, or abandoned beaver lodges.
Habitat
Otter are primarily aquatic, but they travel overland for considerable distances when moving between streams. Any wetland area, including rivers, lakes, beaver ponds, streams, ponds and even small brooks within their range may be visited.
Habits
Otter are almost entirely carnivorous (flesh eaters). Fish and other animals are their main food sources, but otter will take other prey when the opportunity arises. Active at any time of day or night, otter cover a large hunting area, as much as 62 miles or more along watercourses. Adult otter frequently travel in pairs as they make the rounds of their hunting territories.
Even though young otter must be taught to swim, they are soon able to capture fish. They will eat the most easily caught species. Although otter reportedly take trout, they will eat rough fish more frequently than the more elusive trout.
Otter use slides and Rolling places" along their routes. Tufts of grass in these areas may be twisted and scent marked by the anal gland secretions. Abundant droppings are often found in large toilet areas.
Trapping Tactics
Otter are extremely wary and trap shy. They are also quick and very powerful. Traps for Titer must be heavy, fast, and strong. Most trappers use size 3 or 4 steel traps or large or medium body gripping traps. In all cases, they must be very carefully concealed. All sets should be placed in the water. Sets using foot-hold traps should use a drowning wire or cable with a sliding lock. Care should be taken with trap placement in order to get a proper hold using steel traps. Traps that are sprung by the otter's body will result in a more trap wise otter.
Water sets at the base of trails leading to the top of a slide are much more effective than are sets at the base of the slide. Carefully hidden sets at an otter toilet can also be productive. Bait sets are sometimes successful, but lure alone often works better for these elusive animals. Blind sets in narrow spring nuns, channels, or spillways will also take some otter.
Baits and Lures
Otter musk, used sparingly, is the best lure for otter. Beaver castor will also attract them. Other furbearers such as raccoon and beaver are also attracted by these lures. Some trappers use beaver flesh or fresh whole fish when baiting otter sets.
