Committee backs bill to remove river otter from 'protected' list, prompting scientific and landowner debate
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Summary
House Bill 45 would remove the river otter from Wyoming's protected-animal statutory designation and move management to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as non-game wildlife; supporters said it would give managers tools to address landowner and angler complaints, while opponents urged more population data before changing protections.
Representative Byron moved that the Committee of the Whole report House Bill 45 do pass; the motion carried and the committee recommended the bill for passage.
Representative Byron, sponsor of House Bill 45, said the measure "simply removes the otter" from the state's protected-animal list, making it a non-game wildlife species managed under Game and Fish rules. "That is not the case" that removal would create a free-for-all, Byron said, because the department would retain regulatory authority and could relocate animals or manage conflicts under chapter 52 of Game and Fish regulations.
Representative Provenza, who voted no in committee, said he relied on testimony from a leading river-otter scientist and the department's passive data and urged caution. "I think data is important," Provenza said, noting the expert advised that populations were "stable" and that trapping had shown detrimental impacts in other states.
Representative Schmidt, a cosponsor, said the bill originated with landowners and anglers reporting otters "decimating their fish" in private ponds and that the Game and Fish regional supervisor supported the bill. Schmidt said current rules limit the department's ability to trap, relocate or issue take permits and that the bill would allow the agency to address complaints and expand research.
Other members pressed for clarity about protections. Representative Wharfe (Wharf) emphasized the bill "is not a carte blanche" to kill or indiscriminately take the animals and that the department would retain control, including limits on trapping and hunting. Representative Williams said he supported transferring management authority to the state agency.
The transcript records Ayes in committee from Representatives Byron, Campbell, Connolly, Jarvis, Thayer and Wharf; Noes from Representatives Provenza and Storer; Representative Harshman was excused. On the floor, the Committee of the Whole reported the bill do pass.
Sponsor and opponents both asked for further research and monitoring if the bill proceeds. The bill now moves forward in the House process for further consideration.