Just a curious question, does anyone here know of Athens area river otter sightings? I was fishing the Hocking yesterday evening right along campus and saw something that I can't say for sure WASN'T one. I've never seen a beaver in that stretch of river, and it was way too big to be a muskrat. It also moved with a lot more agility than I've ever seen from a beaver (well, that kind of beaver). It swam along the weeds across the river from me, then swam quickly up into some shallow water like it was chasing something, then I lost sight of it.
Otters
- Thread starter Creamer
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ODNR put this information out a little over a week ago regarding "carnivores make a comeback".
It was probably an otter. They are all over the state, nowadays. Very cool critters.
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So the ODNR can send employees out to stop at bridges all over the state and walk 600 yards of each bank to gauge river otter populations, but when I suggested county wardens conduct deer surveys using a similar method of driving a specific route in their county each year counting deer he laughed and said it was too expensive. 
"that kind of beaver"... I spit water on my computer screen
That section of raccoon is probably the best chance of snagging an otter. Unfortunately both times I've drawn the place the weather was horrible.
It's a fun area to fish, too. But like you said, it's sensitive to weather. And those mosquitos out there are like a different breed. Relentless bastards.
When I was a kid, I was told they use to use the mailmen to keep track of wildlife on a given day in the rural areas.So the ODNR can send employees out to stop at bridges all over the state and walk 600 yards of each bank to gauge river otter populations, but when I suggested county wardens conduct deer surveys using a similar method of driving a specific route in their county each year counting deer he laughed and said it was too expensive.
