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Jan 10th, 2023
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We were doing a little fishing this weekend when we heard some noise and discovered this pair playing around. They seemed upset we were in their lake. Otters are rare in Kansas, but I am trying to decide whether or not to let them stay. I have 20 acres of lake and wouldn’t mind sharing a little, but don’t know how much damage they would do to the finned residence. What do you think?  
Last edited by KingRace78; 11/22/10 07:23 AM.
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Personally I'd let them stay just because their cool looking animals.. But pondboss rules state only fish and bacteria are allowed in ponds  lol
I believe in catch and release. I catch then release to the grease.. BG. CSBG. LMB. HSB. RES. ![[Linked Image from i90.photobucket.com]](http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k247/jmilczski/Fish/PBSubscribe.gif)
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I'd let them stay too. 20 acres should be able to handle them.
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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I am the top of the line predator and don't appreciate the competition. I wouldn't accept these poachers no matter how cute and cuddly they are.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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First, is it even legal to kill them in Kansas? If they are not common, they may be protected? In Virginia they are legal to trap and kill in the eastern half of the state, but they are protected in the western part of the state. They are completely protected in Pennsylvania where they completely cleaned out the trout from the stream behind our hunting cabin this summer.
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I think CJ is right. I looked at Kansas, and they might be legally controlled by an Animal Damage Control specialist, but it looks like there is no open season on them. Call the Kansas DNR for clarification.
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If my pond were in PA and there were otters.....you'd better believe they would be an endangered species!!! Remember, Don't ask, Don't tell was OK'd to continue as policy. 
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Fingerling
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Fingerling
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KingRace, if you're married don't tell your wife. My pond has beavers and my wife loves to watch them swim. She watched some show on how they mate for life and now they are on her no-kill list for our farm. And I agree with Rainman, take care of your problem and keep it on the DL.
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My pond has beavers and my wife loves to watch them swim. She watched some show on how they mate for life and now they are on her no-kill list for our farm. danged public TV 
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Thanks everyone for the comments!
LarryBoy, she has already seen them, but we do not want to risk the fish. She said if they need to be gone, just don't let her know. I do not know how long they have been in the lake, but we have noticed fewer blue gill and fewer smaller fish this year.
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Fingerling
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"I love living. I have some problems with my life, but living is the best thing they've come up with so far." � Neil Simon,
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Fingerling
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Fingerling
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Pond Boss had an article on these not too long ago!?
They had pictures of large divots in big (dead bass). Apparently, they will take out a big chunk and then not eat the whole fish.
Suit yourself.
_________________
Old age is staying home and enjoying all of the temptations.
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FWIW: I've heard of people "accidently" catching otters in 220 traps set for racoon in the water...
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Lunker
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KingRace78 - You simply need to determine what gives you and your wife more pleasure - catching lots of nice fish or watching otters. If they are rare, the DNR will probably be willing to live trap and relocate them. Here in Indiana, they are rare and protected. Personally, I'd leave them be, but I have no problem controlling the more common beaver and muskrat. I would not expect otters to coexist with fish without significant impact even though 20 acres seems pretty large.
Last edited by RAH; 01/02/11 07:25 AM.
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Well, I have good news and Bad news. I have not seen the otters or any evidence of them this summer. But this critter showed up. I have only seen one of them. Now I have to worry about these turkeys. Seems like there is always something. 
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It is possibly migrating North.
Since they are federally protected, I will not publicly advise you to SHOOT THE DAMN THING.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Ask it to leave now before all its friends arrive !!
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If given the choice rather have an otter than a water turkey. At least you can enjoy watching the otter eat up all your lovely fish. These birds dive and can eat you out of house and home with no enjoyment of watching. yes it is always soemthing.
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I'd would shoot otters and cormorants as soon as I could. They eat a lot and they are very skilled hunters.
Now you may think - what can few otters do to 20 acre lake? But don't forget that their population will increase...
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