Q: Where are river otters found in Iowa?
A: River otters can be found along rivers, streams and lakes throughout Iowa. River otter successful reproduction has been documented in all 99 counties in Iowa. They are most abundant in the proposed area that would be open for harvesting, however some watersheds in the closed area sustain healthy populations of river otters.

Q: How many river otters are incidentally harvested each year?
A: Nearly 100 river otters are turned into the DNR each year.

Q: Will opening a river otter season result in a substantial increase in the number of otters harvested each year?
A: It is unlikely that there will be an increase in the number of otters harvested due to the difficulty of targeting the species. Trappers capturing river otters now are likely to be the same people capturing them during an open season.

Q: Will population dynamics of river otters in Iowa change if there is a trapping season?
A: With a 400 harvest season quota in the open area, and with the current population increase of 6-7% annually, the river otter population in the state will continue to increase slowly.

Q: Will the DNR continue to monitor river otter populations after the season is implemented?
A: Yes, DNR officials will collect data on reproductive and population age structure from otter carcasses that are taken during the season and also from other accidental kills. We will also continue to collect data from the Iowa Bowhunter survey which provides estimates of population trends annually. We collect and analyze population data to avoid risk over harvest of otters in Iowa.

Q: Why have river otter populations increased in Iowa?
A: In 1985 restoration of the river otter was initiated. Through the early 1990’s, over 325 river otters were released at 25 different sites throughout the state. Since then, populations have established, continue to reproduce and spread throughout the state.

Q: Why do we want an otter season?
A: Regulated trapping is good wildlife management and our goal is to establish sound conservation. We hope that trappers, people concerned with conservation of wildlife, and those who view otters as a threat to fish populations can view harvest as a part of sound conservation.

Q: Does the DNR receive complaints concerning river otters?
A: The number of complaints about fish depredation in ponds due to river otters has increased. There are also concerns about fisheries for catfish, smallmouth bass, and northern pike in river corridors throughout Iowa.