Do River Otters Damage Sport Fishing?
Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries Research Biologist Gary Novinger is seeking information about present or past efforts in other states assessing the impact of river otters on freshwater fish. The information will help him develop a project scope and methodology to study angler reports that river otters are damaging sport fisheries in small streams in the Missouri Ozark. You may reach Gary at noving@mail.conservation.state.mo.us or at 573-882-9880, ext. 3225. Rocky Mountain Census Low Rocky Mountain National Park officials conducted their bi-annual river otter population census on March 2, 2002. Twenty-eight volunteers, park officials and Colorado Division of Wildlife employees participated in the survey. Signs of an estimated twelve river otters were found, although officials believe this is a low assessment of the number of otters using the park and believe the population is stable and better reflected in prior years’ surveys. Due to extremely cold weather (with temperatu
