On Friday August 11, 2023 Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), in conjunction with concerned citizens of Ipswich and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), successfully trapped and released a juvenile otter above the Ipswich Mills Dam.
Alison Verry Ferguson, Dam Neighbor and Otter Spotter, contacted IRWA after watching this otter try to swim up the dam for 3 days. We know that otters can use the fish ladder and have heard reports of mother otters moving kits one by one through the storm drain system near the fish ladder. This otter was unable to find his way so spent days swimming towards the dam. Alison witnessed it taking breaks and periodically crying in quieter waters near the decommissioned fishway at the dam.
IRWA called in the help of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) who attempted to catch the evasive otter. As the otter swam aggressively toward the spillway of the dam, Biologist Ben Gahagan (DMF) made a near catch before the net dramatically snapped. DMF then went to work adjusting the stop boards in the fish ladder. This would slow the flow enough to make the fish ladder a more viable passage for the otter.
Concerned citizen Amy Saporita had been watching the situation all morning. When she heard a trap was needed, she sped off to graciously purchase and donate one to the cause.
The trap was baited with frozen Alewife originally taken for biological samples by DMF. Alewife, also known as “Sawbellies”, are a type of river herring found in the Ipswich River and serve as the perfect local snack for a distressed otter.
We’re happy to report the trap worked, and the otter was released above the dam later that night. Dave Wattles, Black Bear & Furbearer Biologist with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (FWE) assessed the situation and suggested it’s likely the juvenile could find its mother in the stretch of river above the dam if she is there.
Read more coverage of this rescue at The Ipswich Local News.
