ORLANDO, Fla. – A river otter was removed from a downtown Orlando park after recent wildlife deaths, city officials say.
On July 1, city officials contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Assistance Program for solutions to prevent potential wildlife conflict after a river otter was spotted at Lake Eola Park.
Recommended Videos
According to city officials, the Families, Parks and Recreation Department was made aware that an otter was present at Lake Eola Park on July 15, the same day that two Australian Black swans and one duck were found dead. After consulting with FWC and Orange County Animal Services, the city contacted a trapper to set up traps at the park. The otter responsible for the bird deaths was captured the following day and relocated into the South Econlockhatchee River on July 17.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The City of Orlando gave this statement to News 6:
“We understand that such incidents are a natural part of wildlife interactions, and the city remains committed to maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem at our parks for both wildlife and visitors.”
Ashley Papagni, PhD, City of Orlando Public Information Officer
According to FWC, it has not been confirmed that an otter was involved with any recent deaths of introduced non-native swans or native wildlife around Lake Eola and FWC has not yet seen photos that would be needed for potential predator identification.
River otters are native to Florida and may be found in any freshwater body, including in urban areas and in ditches and canals. Fish and marine prey generally make up the majority of river otter diets, but depending on the season and location, river otters may also sometimes eat birds’ eggs, and turtles. Given the opportunity, wildlife officials say otters may more rarely prey upon native, non-native, and domestic waterfowl and small mammals such as round-tailed muskrats or rabbits.
The City of Orlando plans to enhance the bird population at Lake Eola Park by introducing at least six new swans by the end of the year.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: