Where are otters in Kentucky?
Where are otters in Kentucky?
By 1994, 355 otters had been released across Kentucky. Today, river otter numbers are highest in the northern third of the state, throughout the Purchase Region, and counties that border the Ohio River and the lower reaches of the Tennessee, Cumberland, Green, Salt, Kentucky and Licking Rivers.
Do otters live in ponds in Kentucky?
Otters are mammals that live in ponds, rivers, and creeks throughout Kentucky and most of the eastern United States.
Are river otters a nuisance?
River otters do not pose a significant threat to property, pets or humans. The most significant problem they cause is consumption of fish. If your community has stocked triploid grass carp, otters may remove them from the pond.
What to do if I see a otter?
What to do when I encounter otters?
- DO NOT touch, chase or corner the otters. Observe them from a distance.
- DO NOT talk loudly and do not use flash photography. Noise and light may scare and provoke the otters.
- DO NOT feed the otters.
- DO NOT litter or leave sharp objects in the water.
- DO keep your dog on a tight leash.
Are minks in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, mink are found along large rivers to smaller streams with year-round flowing water. They spend much of their time along shorelines, denning under the roots of trees, in undercut banks or the base of hollow trees. They sometimes take over a muskrat lodge, after killing the occupant.
What is the difference between an otter and a muskrat?
Muskrats are medium sized rodents that measure 1-2 feet long, while river otters are 2-4 times longer than a muskrat. Additionally, the tails of muskrats are small, slender, and can appear scaled from a distance, while otter tails are longer, thicker, and visibly furred.
Can you shoot otters in KY?
Both rifles and shotguns can be used to shoot river otters in Kentucky. When choosing a rifle caliber to shoot an otter any rimfire or centerfile rifle is legal in Kentucky per KDFWR regulations at time of writing.
Can otters destroy a pond?
There is no predator of fish more efficient than river otters. Traveling in groups of two to eight animals they can hammer a small pond before anyone knows they are there.
Are there ferrets in KY?
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over the past year, the Louisville Zoo has seen the birth of 27 endangered black-footed ferrets in their Ferret Conservation Center.