River Otter

2 Pages 469 Words

RIVER OTTER



Introduction:
I. Reason’s for decline
A. Over hunting
1. Loss of Habitat
2. Chemicals
II. What we are doing to help.
A. Wildlife Management
1. Land owner incentives


















Knight
BIO-102
16 Oct 02
River Otter
At one time many years ago, river otters inhabitated all major river systems throughout the United States and Canada. Presently some otters are found in the Jackson Purchase region of Western Kentucky and along the Ohio River. Although native to Kentucky most people become familiar with the otter through television since observing an otter in nature has become almost impossible due to man’s activities over the past decades.
When Kentucky was first being settled river otter pelts were highly sought after by fur dealers. In fact, otter fur was the standard by which other types of furs were measured. Unregulated trapping was one reason for the decline of otter numbers throughout the state and across the continent.
Another cause in the decline of the river otter was the loss of wetland habitat, and the changing uses of the land. Many wetland areas have been drained for agricultural purposes, leaving fewer places for otters to live. Pesticides and chemicals that found their way into our water systems contaminated the otter’s food supply and environment.
Toxic run-off from coal mining operations and acid rain further played roles in reducing otter populations. In some areas, these problems continue to exist, and may limit just how effective the otter restoration effort can be.
Fortunately, there are still many suitable areas where river otters can survive and flourish. Recent observations have shown otters are naturally returning to some parts of the Bluegrass state but at a very slow rate.
In many cases, otters are making a come back thanks to the beaver. Beavers have re-created some excellent areas for otters to live along many waterways. Otters ra...