Public comment period opens for proposed changes to otter trapping rules

BEDFORD – The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened a second public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s river otter trapping rule before they vote on the final adoption of the proposed changes. If adopted, the changes will take full effect during the river otter trapping season this November.

DNR proposes to open otter trapping statewide but keep all other otter regulations the same. The proposed changes will allow people to handle emerging wildlife conflicts in all counties and simplify the otter regulations. The DNR is confident the change will not negatively impact river otter populations, which staff will continue to monitor.

Otter fur

Public comments can be submitted online. Locate the “Submit Comments Here” link in the Rule Docket for the River Otter Trapping Rule. The deadline for public comments is June 25. The second public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 25, between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. ET, both online and in person, at Fort Harrison State Park Inn at 5830 North Post Road, Indianapolis, in the Roosevelt Ballroom. To attend the public hearing online, go to Microsoft Teams and enter Meeting ID: 273 875 645 791 Passcode: vtsG9X

Learn more about the proposed rule changes. Questions about the proposed otter-trapping rule changes should be directed to Geriann Albers at 812-822-3304 or galbers@dnr.IN.gov.