A proposal to reclassify otters in Wyoming from protected to nongame animals passed its final vote with little discussion. House Bill 45, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Byron, removes otters from the protected species list, allowing the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to relocate or kill otters that pose a threat to private fish ponds. While some senators opposed the bill, it ultimately passed 22-9. Supporters argue that otters have been protected for 72 years and need management options for fish predation, while opponents, like Wyoming Untrapped founder Lisa Robertson and otter expert Merav Ben-David, believe that otters should retain protected status in Wyoming.
If Governor Mark Gordon signs the bill into law, otters will not be subject to recreational or commercial trapping, as they are not classified as furbearing animals. The bill changes a single word in Wyoming statute and would go into effect immediately upon the governor’s signature. Critics of the bill argue that wildlife decisions, especially for nongame animals like otters, should be made with more consideration and value.
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