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Post by musher on Dec 2, 2011 16:34:38 GMT -6
I caught an otter today and I don't really understand why it got caught as it did.
The trap is a 280 belisle. The large otter was caught by the belly in the bottom jaw. It was not suitcased even though the otters head/neck easily reached past the top jaw.
Did it get it's head out of the top jaw? Was there ice and it slowed down the trap or even half closed the trap?
No photos were taken. Lousy weather with little free time.
Any speculation?
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Post by mustelameister on Dec 2, 2011 17:00:30 GMT -6
I caught an otter today and I don't really understand why it got caught as it did. My first thought after reading this line was it got caught in a coon dagger . . .  |
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Post by trappingdave on Dec 2, 2011 23:36:57 GMT -6
Check for the bruise mark behind the neck when you put it up, it will be there. Done it a few times and the mark where the trap hit it has always been there for me.
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Post by lumberjack on Dec 3, 2011 7:00:45 GMT -6
What I think happens is their body is tapered like a road cone and the belly area of the jaws is held open further than the head area. I believe this allows them to somehow pull their head out before they expire.
Ive had mink catches like that and thats all I can attest it to. Only other thing is they walk like inchworms and if his back was arched when the trap was triggered the front jaws may have missed? I cant see the arched back scenario in a deep water stituation though.
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Post by musher on Dec 3, 2011 7:11:04 GMT -6
Good idea for the bruise mark. But a 280 is a very stout trap. Usually the otter is out right quick.
The inch worm theory is possible. It's a shallow stream and the trap had iced up a few times already.
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Post by trappingdave on Dec 3, 2011 8:18:47 GMT -6
Good idea for the bruise mark. But a 280 is a very stout trap. Usually the otter is out right quick. The inch worm theory is possible. It's a shallow stream and the trap had iced up a few times already. I do not use 280 sized traps. I have never seen it on a 220 sized trap. I have seen it so many times I do not even look at the particular otter when caught in 330 sized trap. Even occures with the stoutest traps on occasion (Belisles). Check it out once the otter is put up and let us know! |
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Post by musher on Dec 4, 2011 18:30:04 GMT -6
There's a bruise mark on the neck. Therefore it powered its head out.
Strong animals!
Thanks for the theories.
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Post by northof50 on Dec 5, 2011 21:32:15 GMT -6
Thick neck muscles, and powerful forelegs pushed it off.
probably a family group and someone was going over someone at trap site set it off.
Good job
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Post by motrapperjohn on Dec 7, 2011 7:13:38 GMT -6
Found out several years ago when setting dryland sets for otters even with 4 coil 1.65, and #2's you better have at least 2ft of chain anything shorter with a front foot catch they will stand up and pull out.
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