DaytonDailyNews.com

Those who like canoeing while viewing birds and animals along the shore may see something different this year.

Add the river otter to the potential list of animals that might be observed. Although streams in eastern Ohio are more likely to have this animal, the spotting of an otter on a waterway in western Ohio is possible.

One such sighting has been reported to wildlife authorities. Dave Kohler, district wildlife supervisor in southwest Ohio, said he was told last year an otter had been seen near Huffman Dam, one of the Five Rivers Metro Parks.

Another report of an otter in Adams County could not be disputed. A trapper harvested an otter and it was a prize catch for the collector of furs.

Otter trapping in Ohio is allowed, but it's highly regulated. A permit is required.

Once driven from Ohio by water pollution, plus excessive hunting and trapping, the otter was nowhere to be found in Buckeye land for many years.

Reintroduction of the otter began in 1986 with animals obtained from Louisiana and Arkansas. Releases took place at many streams, mostly in the northern and eastern parts of Ohio.

Since the initial plantings, otters have increased their population greatly. Mark Shieldcastle, who oversees the otter program for the wildlife division, estimates there now are about 6,000 otters in Ohio.

Most people are happy to see the fun-loving otters. The animals appear to be having a good time as they frolic along the shoreline.

Still, some property damage has been reported, and that's why a limited amount of trapping has been authorized in 43 of Ohio's counties.

A river otter is a fair-sized animal. Adult males range from 38 to 55 inches; the female is about 30 percent smaller.

Otters live in dens borrowed or stolen from other animals, such as groundhogs and muskrats. A fish or a smaller animal might not find otters so amusing.

After all, the otter is a carnivore. It has sharp teeth, strong claws and it's a good swimmer capable of staying under water for two minutes.

Otters become sexually mature when they are 2 years old. They breed in early spring and, about a year later, have from one to six young.

The parent otters and their young comprise a family group for 12 months. And then, off go the youngsters. Another generation of fur bearers strikes out to find new territory, establishes a home and possibly makes the day for other boaters that float past them.

The Great Outdoors Report with Jim Robey can be heard on ESPN radio, 1410 WING-AM, Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and Friday at 7:30 a.m. Contact Robey at Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton, OH 45409.

Vote for this story!