September, 1943 
of records of recent date are given in the 
Mohr report. 
In its present numbers, coyotes in them- 
selves constitute little or no problem in 
Illinois, and many of the complaints 
popularly associated with them are in re- 
ality associated with wild or free-ranging 
dogs. In the event that coyotes become 
numerous, control measures may of course 
become necessary; any contemplated stat- 
utes and action relative to control of 
coyotes should include wild dogs. 
The catch of 91 coyotes calculated for 
1938-39 is believed to be based on too few 
data to be reliable. A catch of 25 per 
year is considered much more likely. 
Otter 
The otter, if not actually extirpated 
from Illinois, is present only in straggling 
numbers. The most recent records for the 
state are given in the Mohr report. This 
species has probably been of no appreci- 
able importance in the Illinois fur trade 
since about 1900. 
In view of the several large rivers in 
and bounding the state, and particularly 
the large backwaters along the Illinois 
Brown & YEAGER: SURVEY OF FuR REsouRCE 
489 
and Mississippi rivers that have formed 
behind navigation dams, there is undoubt- 
edly some suitable otter range in the state, 
fig. 28. Numerous deep, wooded, clear- 
water sloughs making up part of such 
backwaters offer ample food, water and 
seclusion. With continued protection, 
which fortunately has been given this spe- 
cies since 1929, it would not be surpris- 
ing to see otters regain a part of their 
former Illinois range. It is not considered 
likely, however, that they will appear in 
sufficient numbers, at least in the near 
future, to justify an open season. 
Beaver 
The beaver has been of no appreciable 
importance in the Illinois fur trade since 
about 1850. ‘This species was complete- 
ly extirpated in the state some time after 
Forbes (1912) had reported on the native 
animal resources of Illinois. It was re- 
introduced in 1935, and now appears to 
be established in Pope and Union coun- 
ties. An account of beaver restocking, 
increase and spread is given in the Mohr 
report. 
Except in certain southern Illinois lo- 
Fig. 29—Beaver lodge at Wolf Lake, Union County, 1939. This bottomland stand of soft 
maple, cottonwood and willow was flooded in 1938, 
