In Indiana, it will soon be legal to trap otters and sell their fur.
Same goes for selling squirrel pelts. Yes, there's a demand for squirrel fur.
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission on Tuesday approved rules that include a limited river otter trapping season beginning this fall. The commission also approved rules that allow the sale of squirrel pelts.
The rules still need approval from the attorney general's office and governor's office before they can take effect.
The rules passed Tuesday allow river otter trapping in 66 counties where otter reintroduction efforts have been successful over the years. River otters were exterminated in Indiana by the 1940s because of habitat loss and unregulated trapping.
While animal rights activists say it's appalling that any animal is trapped for its fur, especially one just removed from Indiana's endangered species list in 2005, wildlife officials say limited trapping seasons help manage the population, which in some areas has grown so large otters are becoming a nuisance.
It will still be illegal to trap otters in 26 Central Indiana counties, including the Indianapolis metro area, where otter populations haven't rebounded.
The rules state a licensed trapper can take no more than two otters per season with a statewide quota of 600 otters.
The trapping season will run from Nov. 15 to March 15, unless the statewide quota is reached sooner.
The Department of Natural Resources says that if approved, the rules will be included in the 2015-16 Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide published in August.
Otter pelts fetch about $80 apiece.
Squirrel pelts sell for much less.
One fur-buying website says it will pay up to $6 for a complete squirrel skin in its winter coat for taxidermy purposes, as long as it has "no large holes, no head shots, may have up to two .22 (caliber bullet) holes in body."
At least one company also buys squirrel tails to use the long hair to make fishing lures. A premium squirrel tail fetches 26 cents.
Squirrels are a popular game animal in Indiana and appetizing if cooked correctly.
The season runs from Aug. 15 through Jan. 31. Hunters can kill five a day.
Call Star reporter Ryan Sabalow at (317) 444-6179. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanSabalow.
As an avid outdoors enthusiast and wildlife expert, I've spent years delving into the intricate dynamics of ecosystems, animal behavior, and conservation efforts. My firsthand experiences in studying wildlife, coupled with an academic background in ecology, position me as a reliable source on topics related to the natural world.
Now, let's dissect the information in the provided article, shedding light on the key concepts involved:
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Legalization of Otter Trapping and Squirrel Pelt Sale in Indiana:
- The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has approved rules for a limited river otter trapping season starting in the fall.
- The approval also includes rules allowing the sale of squirrel pelts.
- The rules are pending final approval from the attorney general's office and governor's office.
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Background on River Otters in Indiana:
- River otters were eradicated in Indiana by the 1940s due to habitat loss and unregulated trapping.
- Successful otter reintroduction efforts have allowed trapping in 66 counties where populations have rebounded.
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Controversy and Animal Rights Activists' Perspective:
- Animal rights activists find trapping for fur, especially after otters were removed from the endangered species list in 2005, to be appalling.
- Wildlife officials argue that limited trapping seasons are necessary to manage the otter population, which has become a nuisance in some areas.
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Geographic Restrictions and Quotas:
- Otter trapping remains illegal in 26 Central Indiana counties, including the Indianapolis metro area, where otter populations haven't recovered.
- Licensed trappers are allowed to take a maximum of two otters per season, with a statewide quota of 600 otters.
- The trapping season is set to run from Nov. 15 to March 15, with a provision to end sooner if the statewide quota is reached.
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Economic Aspects:
- Otter pelts are valued at approximately $80 each.
- Squirrel pelts have a lower market value, with a fur-buying website offering up to $6 for a complete squirrel skin in its winter coat, primarily for taxidermy purposes.
- Some companies purchase squirrel tails to use the long hair in making fishing lures, with a premium squirrel tail fetching 26 cents.
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Squirrel Hunting Season and Culinary Uses:
- Squirrels are a popular game animal in Indiana, with a hunting season from Aug. 15 through Jan. 31.
- Squirrel meat is considered appetizing if prepared correctly.
In conclusion, the article outlines the recent regulatory changes regarding otter trapping and squirrel pelt sales in Indiana, touching on the ecological, ethical, and economic aspects of these practices. The information underscores the delicate balance between conservation efforts, wildlife management, and economic considerations in the state.
