Well, I completed my third annual river otter survey for Seneca Conservation District (SCD).  These surveys are conducted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) with the assistance of Wildlife Specialists from various soil and water conservation districts.  The ODNR is attempting to gauge the expansion of river otter populations in the state from when the ODNR reintroduced river otters back to the state from 1986 to 1993.  These reintroduction efforts took place in four distinct areas where river otter habitat was found to be optimal.  River otters are now present in about one half of Ohio’s 88 counties (ODNR).

These surveys take place during mid-January to mid-February due to the potential for snow cover that will assist in the observation of otter tracks, slides, and other sign.

Getting back to this year’s river otter survey in Seneca County, SCD was assigned four survey locations in the county.  All four sites start at bridge crossings over local waterways.  Surveyors are required to walk along the stream bank for 300 meters upstream and downstream from the bridge to look for otter sign.  Otter tracks are similar to other wildlife tracks but there are distinct features surveyors need to look for when making the call.

This year I was assisted by SCD Technicians Adam Wagner and James Austin.  We all did succeed in breaking through the ice and filling our boots with fresh creek water, but the survey continued.  However, for the third year in a row, we did not succeed in observing any positive sign of a river otter at our survey locations.  We do seek out any tips from landowners, trappers, hunters, and other members of the public to give me a call at (419) 447-7073 if you suspect that you have observed any otter sign, or had any direct visual contact of a river otter in Seneca County.