Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Otters

Thanks again to all that have replied. I've been advised to change my profile and not have my last name showing. I took the advice.
TimBar
"Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after me."

I got problems... This MF is killing my fish. It killed at least two 5 pound catfish and only ate the tails off. Please help me with info on the right traps and bait. I know S,SH,SUP but would like to get a trap or two imeadiatly.

I am sick, mad, pissed, fuming, and angry, I am seeing red right now I am so mad.

As far as I'm concerned give your whole name. Lots of us do. All opinions are welcomed here as long as they are presented as opinions while being considerate of the feelings of others.

Joey: It is hard to beat a 220 type killer trap. The Belisle is the best version of these in my opinion. If you do a search, you can find your state's regulations, you can also find a trapper's association, and possibly a trapper who could help you. Even if the state doesn't have a trapping season for otter, they may allow you or someone else to take one via permit. May be worth checking out. May not be if you are certain they won't.

Dave sorry if I offened you. I dont really understand your post. I am just very shocked that such a creature could destroy so much and not even for food. I have called the fish and game dept but they dont trap and gave me a name but he dont either. Its like who can you call to save your investment. I am going to have to find a trapper to get this thing out. Again I am not sure I understand your post but sorry if it botherd you.

In an earlier thread a post by Andrew Davis provides sage advice on dealing with herons, maybe all of the hints and tips for controlling all types predator problems could be grouped or maybe made a separate section. We all face similar problems. The information might make a nice Pond Boss article, as well. I have seen a lot of posts about numerous kinds of animal pests.
Norm has an excellent point
"The first step is always to try and modify the habitat to discourage the unwanted species" this is much easier to do when in the pond planning stage.

This thing although some people like to watch then is a evel creature for pond owners. I will take 10 GB herons over this thing. It ate every single FH minow, another catfish, found that one on the island, only the tail section eaten. It seems to think my fish cage is his free meal ticket. My trout dont hardly feed anymore if there still there. MF.

The pond is basically ruined in 5 days. For the newer ponder, do not take there things lightly. This 5 pounder was still alive. Thats 5, 5 pounders dead that I know of.

Looks like otters throw away leftovers like humans. Iowa has a legal trapping season for otter, which started this fall. First time since 1800's since it was legal to kill. Pelts have some monetary value to them.

iowa allowed licensed trappers to take 2 otter, all other species had no limit. they closed otter trapping season after about 10 days when quota was met. there was speculation that people had em in freezer and took out when finally legal. otter sign has decreased but probably (could be) due to seasonal movement.

Joey, Dave was referring to a post that Timbar made on 4/01/06.

I wonder if Alf would eat otters?

Your right, something does seem quite fishy.

The otter got the point, he wont be comeing back anytime soom. Been monitering the pond in case it wasnt alone. So far I dont see any sign of more. It did catastophic damage to my fish. The water is gin clear and I can see a dime on the bottom in most everyplace. He got (comfirmed) six 5 pound plus catfish, several albino cats, several of the biggest sunfish, a few bass, and about 200 fathead minows. These are confirmed so who knows how much more I didnt find. I did a lot of reading and the articals seem to be right, a otter will key on slow moving fishes and pretty much leave the gamefish alone. Its seem right because the trout are feeding again and it looks to me most are there. With a slow real good look into the pond (polarized sun glasses) I see still left a bunch of bass, nothing very big up to 2 pounds, I see 8 5 pound CC, I seen a few stripers, I see some BG big and small. Have not seen not one Albino cat and they should be the easyest to see, nore one of the smaller cats. Hopefully they got good hiding spots or there gone to. All thanks to this loving playful MF.