80 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



many that they pair in the wild state, but it is probable that one male 

 will serve for several females in ranches. 



The rapidly rising prices of fisher pelts make the possibility of 

 rearing this valuable fur-bearer the more interesting. A first-class skin 

 can now (1912) be sold for $75 or even $100. 



CANADIAN OTTER 

 (Lutra Canadensis) 



The otter is very easily tamed and may even be given the run of 

 the premises without deserting its owner. The natural method of ranch- 

 ing described for mink, where a whole pond is enclosed and kept stocked 

 with fish, would certainly succeed with otter, especially if arrangements 

 were made to care for the female and the young. 



About the time the young are expected, the mother could be caught 

 in a box-trap with a meshed-wire bottom and examined. If she is found 

 to be about to give birth to young, she could be placed in a pen similar 

 to that used for mink, and the young reared successfully. The quiet 

 disposition of the otter and skunk will allow of such treatment. No 

 otter ranches were examined, but the docility and good health of those 

 kept in zoological gardens m.ake it quite evident that it will be ' easy 

 to rear them when we only know how'. 



Though the otter is found almost everywhere, the Canadian otter 

 is most valuable. Prime skins now (1912) bring up to $30 or even $40. 

 The Fur Trade Review for January, 1913, quotes No. 1 otter from 

 Nova Scotia and Labrador, if of dark colour, at $20 to $25. 



A large, easily available supply of fish is necessary for success with 

 these animals if profits are to be made at the above-mentioned prices. 

 As there is undoubtedly a strong demand for live animals for parks and 

 for foundation stock for ranches, the breeding of otter can probably be 

 prosecuted with profit. 



The following article on the otter, by Vernon Bailey, was published 

 in the Eeport of the American Breeders' Association, Vol. 5 : 



The Otter as a Fur Bearer 



" Next to silver and blue foxes, otters seem to promise the best 

 results in fur-farming. They combine coats of real and permanent 

 value with habits easily controlled and well adapted to domestication. 

 They have cheerful dispositions, are playful, affectionate, and intelli- 

 gent, and though in their wild state great wanderers, they are contented 

 and thrive when confined in very limited quarters. Under ordinary 

 conditions they do not breed in captivity, but it is believed that this 



