Otters vs Trout

**Matuka** · 25-06-07

We have a 20ha dam that is very regularly stocked with Rainbows.

Unfortunately, we also have a healthy population of Cape Clawless Otters (About 8). Does anyone have any evidence of otters' impact on trout populations? We also have herd of Largemouth Bass as a food source for the otters.

Otters are a protected species, so a .22 with a silencer is not really an option, how else can I get rid of these, if it is actually necessary?

**dizzy** · 26-06-07

Geese!

I used to work for King Fisher Trout farm as a kid, and on the farm they had some geese. Man those things were the best watch dogs ever!

**Chris Shelton** · 26-06-07

Originally Posted by Matuka

We have a 20ha dam that is very regularly stocked with Rainbows.

Unfortunately, we also have a healthy population of Cape Clawless Otters (About 8). Does anyone have any evidence of otters' impact on trout populations? We also have herd of Largemouth Bass as a food source for the otters.

Otters are a protected species, so a .22 with a silencer is not really an option, how else can I get rid of these, if it is actually necessary?

The best way to keep them away is to surround the dam with electric fencing, but 20 ha is a bit big, it will cost you a small fortune. Eish, they could be a big problem but they are magnificent creatures. Killing them must not even feature on your options list.

**Jasper** · 26-06-07

Having had first hand experience with those otters .... they HAVE to become scared of people & boats. They regularly attack hooked trout ... one has even climbed into the boat after a fish!

When animals become accustomed to humans they become agressive - view the latter as a food source. (Like our damn ... I mean d**m baboons in the Cape Point Reserve).

Maybe take out the dominant male with an UNsilenced 12 gauge shotgun .... and then throw a few firecrackers every time you see one behaving aggressively.

**Chris Shelton** · 26-06-07

Originally Posted by Jasper

Having had first hand experience with those otters .... they HAVE to become scared of people & boats. They regularly attack hooked trout ... one has even climbed into the boat after a fish!

When animals become accustomed to humans they become agressive - view the latter as a food source. (Like our damn ... I mean d**m baboons in the Cape Point Reserve).

Maybe take out the dominant male with an UNsilenced 12 gauge shotgun .... and then throw a few firecrackers every time you see one behaving aggressively.

We are not talking about Colorado here Boet! Is jy bedonnerd!?

**dizzy** · 26-06-07

Ja no look, I don't think the 12 gauge is a good idea,
but the crackers might work, no harm done!

**Jasper** · 26-06-07

One thing that rather concerned me is the possibility of rabies. It is common when an animal is infected its behavioural pattern changes completely (like meercats in the Eastern Cape).

These otters are REALLY aggressive - baring their (sharp) teeth when an attempt is made to scare them off without harm.

**chriss** · 26-06-07

But needless to say, us fly fisher man are really privileged to see all these creatures, even if they are a big threat to us. I personally have stood next to a big puffy and it was just lying in the sun baking. Just on Saturday, I was lucky enough to see fish eagles circling above my head and you could hear there unique calls.