EVIDENCE OF LONG-TERM SURVIVAL AND REPRODUCTION BY TRANSLOCATED RIVER OTTERS, LUTRA-CANADENSIS

During 1982-1984, we reintroduced 26 Rive, Otters (Lutra canadensis) into Pine and Kettle Creek drainages in northcentral Pennsylvania. Results of initial radio-tracking studies indicated that habitats at introduction sites could support otter populations. To demonstrate long-term survival, we conducted surveys for otter scats along Pine and Kettle Creeks during September-December 1990 and April 1991, respectively. Otter scats were frequently encountered along both streams during surveys, demonstrating that otters have remained at release areas approximately six to eight years. Evidence gathered from otters accidentally caught by trappers at reintroduction areas demonstrated that six of nine otters trapped at Pine Creek and two of four at Kettle Creek had been reproduced by the respective reintroduced populations.