A river otter found shot to death at Thissel Pond in eastern Lincoln County has state wildlife troopers asking the public who pulled the trigger and why.
The male river otter was discovered dead on May 6, and investigators say the animal was most likely shot sometime between April 26 and May 3. Troopers with the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division opened an investigation after getting the report that day, according to KATU.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the state’s Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) program. The hotline is 1-800-452-7888 and the email is [email protected], as listed by the Oregon State Police. Tipsters are asked to reference case number SP26-146568.
How Otters Are Regulated in Oregon
River otters in Oregon are classified as furbearers, which means their legal take is tightly controlled. The state’s furbearer rules spell out when and how they can be harvested, as well as what paperwork is required.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, the regulated harvest season for river otters runs from November 15 through March 15. The rules include special record-card and tag requirements for anyone who takes or possesses an otter.
Tip Program, Rewards and How Tips Are Handled
The Turn-in-Poachers program is a multi-agency effort that leans on the public to help catch wildlife offenders. According to the Oregon State Police, it offers cash rewards and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife preference points for information that leads to an arrest or citation.
The program notes that reports can be submitted anonymously, and that the TIP email and hotline are staffed during weekday business hours for follow-up. In other words, you do not have to give your name to speak up if you know something.
Recent Wildlife Shootings Around Oregon
The Thissel Pond case is not the only recent shooting of wildlife on state investigators’ radar. Less than a month earlier, Oregon State Police were looking into the killing of a collared wolf in Grant County and similarly asked the public for tips.
KATU reported on that wolf case and noted that investigators were canvassing the area for witnesses.
Possible Legal Consequences
Unlawful taking of wildlife in Oregon is not just frowned upon, it can be criminal. Penalties can include fines, license revocation and, in some circumstances, felony charges. The details are spelled out in ORS 496.992, which covers violations of state wildlife laws.
For repeat or aggravated offenses, the law also allows for seizure or forfeiture of equipment used to commit violations, which can turn an already costly case into an even bigger hit.
Investigators are again urging anyone who saw or heard anything around Thissel Pond between April 26 and May 3, or who has information about the shooting, to contact OSP Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888 or email [email protected] and reference case SP26-146568. Troopers say that even anonymous tips can be the lead that helps hold someone accountable and protect local waterways and wildlife.
