CHAPTER XIV 



THE OTTEB 



The otter is found in nearly every part of the North American 

 Continent, a larger number of them being trapped in Florida than 

 any other state at the present time. This is one animal that is in 

 need of protection probably more than any other furbearer, and 

 some states have established closed seasons protecting otter all the 

 year round, and they are not allowed to be trapped or killed at any 

 time. This is a wise measure, and the writer advocates careful 

 conservation and protection of the otter in all states. On account 

 of the high price of the otter pelt and its large size it is hunted ruth- 

 lessly. This in addition to the fact that many streams have been 

 polluted has tended to drive the otter out of many sections where 

 they would do well, especially in some of the older and more thickly 

 populated states. It would be highly commendable if the game 

 wardens in some of the older states would arrange with the game 

 wardens in states where otter are plentiful to secure pairs of these 

 valuable furbearers and restore them in sections where they have 

 disappeared. Everyone interested in trapping would be glad to lend 

 his support to such an effort, and the time to make a start in this 

 direction is now. The otter is a magnificent animal and its pelt is 

 one of the finest furs produced. They wiU thrive in almost any 

 section of the United States where there is plenty of fresh running 

 water. It lives largely on fish, but will also kill muskrat. In con- 

 finement it will even feed upon beef which they prefer boiled. They 

 are known to kill wild ducks, but seem to have a special fondness 

 for trout and prefer rapid flowing clear deep streams as their place 

 to live. They will migrate from one river to another or from one 

 lake to another and have been known to travel long distances on 

 land in their migrations. When closely pursued they will turn and 

 defend themselves and put up a game fight. The otter loves to 

 play and enjoys nothing more than a side hill running down into the 

 water, on which it will form a slide, climbing up to the very top of 

 the hill, and then sliding down into the water with a splash. 



The otter is a very swift and powerful swimmer and has a long 

 tail that enables it to glide through the water at remarkable speed. 



