Badgers, bobcats and river otters were removed from the state's endangered species list in 2005, but these furbearers are still protected and cannot legally be taken from the wild in Indiana by any method at any time. 

The DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds individuals of the importance of reporting any occurrences of these animals being unintentionally trapped/released or killed during Indiana fur harvest seasons, which are open now and, depending on species targeted, may run as late as March 31, 2008. 

Information obtained from such reports is the primary means the DNR uses to evaluate the status, distribution, and relative abundance of these three furbearers. These data help the DNR determine how to best manage the populations of these animals.

Last year, a record 39 river otters were reported trapped from 21 Indiana counties during the 2006-07 fur harvest season. Similarly, 25 reports involving bobcats, primarily road-kills and trap-related incidents, were reported from 18 counties between October 2006 and August 2007.  Fewer reports of badgers were received, mostly incidental captures or road-killed individual animals in the northern third of the state.

Private citizens cannot possess the carcass or hides of these furbearers if they were accidentally killed in Indiana; they can only possess them with satisfactory documentation to prove they were legally taken outside of the state; however, DNR facilities and educational/scientific institutions can possess pelts for educational use with written permission. 

Incidents should be reported to Scott Johnson, DNR furbearer biologist, (812) 334-1137, sjohnson@dnr.IN.gov.
 

 

Link to this event: http://www.in.gov/newsroom.htm
detailContent=113_13139.htm

Bobcats, river otters and badgers are state-protected Dec 04, 2007