Wildlife biologists in Illinois require updated tools for managing selected furbearer populations. River otter (Lontra canadensis) populations are still increasing in Illinois a decade after reintroduction, and concern exists regarding their overabundance and impacts on animal populations. Furthermore, there is potential opportunity for a well-regulated river otter harvest in Illinois, and updated information on the biology of this species is necessary to support harvest management while providing a method of monitoring population status. Wildlife biologists in Illinois use an archery deer hunter survey and spotlight surveys to monitor terrestrial furbearer populations, but information regarding adequate survey effort to provide meaningful trend data is lacking. Finally, wildlife managers require novel methods for monitoring aquatic furbearers. My study is addressing these research needs using population modeling and occupancy modeling techniques.
