River Otters or What?

I moved into a lake place last summer in Noble County (Northeast Indiana). Last Fall I knew I had a muskrat problem because I could see them and they also burrowed into my lake bank and up through the yard. This late winter and spring so far, I've dispatched a few of them with my 22. They seem to be gone.

But the past few days, I've seen a couple of critters that appear to be bigger than muskrats and they seem to be using the muskrat burrows. They are faster than the muskrats and I've seen them swimming on their backs and catching fish. Doesn't seem like muskrat behavior.

I think they might be river otters. Are they common in Indiana? And are they destructive to your property like muskrats?

Any input/advice?

Thanks

River Otters are protected by DNR and there is now a trapping season on them in southern Indiana, but still protected in other areas of the state. You might need to contact your local DNR officer and see what your options are but I wouldn't shoot or trap any until you check your options as they are untouchable in certain areas and still might be considered an endangered species.

there was a couple on one of the lakes i fish for a summer. i figure they got in traps, or moved on, because they disappeared. shame, they are neat critters! make their squeaking sound and see what they do. i had one standing on a log next to my boat. was kinda wondering what would have happened if he jumped in. :eek: they seem friendly enough, but my fingers smelled like fish. lol i had the same thing happen with a beaver. she was huge and freaking me out a little because she had been slapping/splashing at me to leave her area.

River otters mainly live off eating fish. I don't think you would be wanting to pet them with fishy hands. rotfl

YOU have the right to protect your levy! If you are forced to take care of business keep your mouth SHUT!! You also can buy live traps bait with sardines and tuna. Carry the lil fellers to a river 1-200 miles from your private lake in state for release!!!!

You also can hire a nuisance company and they will catch and remove the otters for $50-$125 per animal!! Call DNR and get an Email from an official not word of mouth permission!!

I would contact the DNR like other have mentioned. No need to shoot them since they can be live trapped and relocated. River otters were extinct in Indiana and the DNR has been working to re-populate them. It has gotten to the point in some areas there is a limited trapping season like Cevans mentioned.

If you have the problem with muskrats, Google a local fur buyer near you and get the name of a trapper. He would gladly take them off your hands. He makes a few dollars and you get your levy saved.

Thanks for the replies. I don't mind having the otters if they are not digging up my property. I think I have the muskrats under control by shooting them. Something to do after work!

Living at the lake is interesting. In a good way.