Ohio hunters and trappers planning to seek furbearers will find good numbers of these animals during the 2011-12 season. The season began for most furbearing species Thursday.
"Food sources and habitat conditions for furbearers remain good this year across Ohio," said Division of Wildlife biologist Suzie Prange. "Fur takers can expect another good season for most species."
For the seventh year, 43 counties will be open for river otter trapping from Dec. 26 to Feb. 29. River otters were reintroduced into four Ohio watersheds between 1986 and 1993 and have increased their range in the state.
In most regions of Ohio, hunting and trapping seasons for fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel opened Thursday and close Jan. 31. The trapping season for mink and muskrat opened Thursday and continues through Feb. 29. Exceptions are Erie, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties and in Lucas County east of the Maumee River.
There are no daily limits or restrictions on hours for hunting and trapping furbearers, with the exception of river otters, where bag limits are dependent on the county where the trapping occurs. A fur takers permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license to hunt or trap furbearing animals, except for coyotes.
? Experts say that the invasive emerald ash borer will likely kill most of Ohio's ash trees in the coming years. Authorities told The Vindicator of Youngstown that the ash tree will likely go the way of Ohio's elm trees, most of which were wiped out by Dutch elm disease in the 1960s and 1970s. ODNR forester Alan Stewart said the beetle travels on vehicles and is dislodged at rest stops and in accidents. It has been traveling east from Detroit since 2002, making it as far as Pittsburgh along the Ohio and Pennsylvania turnpikes.
? Spaces are still available for adults, groups or conservation clubs who have a sincere interest in taking kids fishing and want to become certified fishing instructors. A free workshop is available Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will take place at Wildlife District 2, 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840. Passport to Fishing is a one-day instructor training program that qualifies people to become Division of Wildlife certified fishing instructors similar to a hunter education instructor.
To register for the workshop, call Linda at 419-429-8347. For information, visit www.wild ohio.com.
? ODNR Director Scott Zody has announced a new, toll-free hotline, 855-DWA-OHIO, to report suspected instances of neglect or abuse of dangerous wild animals in Ohio. The hotline is the idea of Gov. John Kasich, to better use existing laws and resources while specific legal authorities are being developed to protect public health and animal welfare.
ODNR will staff the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and work with other authorities to take the appropriate follow-up actions when reports are made.
? A toxic algae treatment in Ohio's largest inland lake over the summer was successful, the state's EPA director said.
The agency has released a report that says the 3.3 million gallons of alum dropped into Grand Lake St. Marys was more successful than anticipated, killing 56 percent of algae in the treated area.
The toxic algae has caused lake closures and advisories against swimming and boating in the past, leading to decreased tourism on the lake.
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