River otters are thriving in Colorado, and state wildlife officials say they might lift protections because the species is doing so well.
Pollution, trapping, human settlement and stream diversion were blamed for the decline of river otters in Colorado. By the beginning of the 20th century, the species disappeared from Colorado. As recently as 40 years ago there were still no known river otters in Colorado.
But wildlife officials say that river otters introduced about 30 years ago have thrived and are reproducing in several rivers, including the Upper Colorado, the Gunnison, the Piedra and the Dolores rivers. The river otters have since been reclassified from “endangered” to “protected.” Now Colorado’s Division of Wildlife is conducting surveys to determine whether otters still need legal protection.
Biologist seldom see the otters. Instead they hunt in winter for signs of river otters — scat, dens and tracks. The animals even leave telltale toboggan-like paths through the snow.
No timetable has been given for a decision on removing otter protections. The Associated Press
