Sightings of river otters in the lower Mill River of New Haven, Connecticut were reported by community members and the park ranger. This study was established to verify the presence of otters and to determine the extent of their range throughout the river system. Methods included field observations, baiting, and the detection of otter signs (feces or spraints, anal secretions, and footprints). Two otters were observed simultaneously below the Eli Whitney dam. Otter spraints were found up to approximately .5 mile above the tidal flood gates. However, spraints were most frequently found between the dam and East Rock bridge. The use of bait stations proved ineffective due to an abundance of raccoons and dogs. The importance of finding otters in the Mill River is discussed in terms of urban wildlife ecology and watershed management.

Sponsor: Dr. Oswald Schmitz - FES 569, Project in Wildlife Ecology