Otter killed in illegal trap (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Otter killed in illegal trap

10:14am Thursday 23rd June 2011 in News By Scott Kirk, Reporter

AN OTTER has been found dead in an illegal trap on Windermere.

It is believed to have been killed over the last few days.

Cumbria Police and Environment Agency officers believe that the trap had been in situ for at least several hours.

Placing traps in waters in England and Wales is illegal, if the owners of the trap are traced the Environment Agency and the police will take action.

Otters are a European protected species, which is the highest possible level. The deliberate killing, injuring or disturbing of an otter is illegal, as is damaging or destroying a breeding site, such as an otter holt.

David Hall, Fisheries Officer for the Environment Agency said: “The use of traps within Windermere is illegal, and we are working very closely with Cumbria Police to establish where this trap came from, what its purpose was and we will assist in finding out why this otter died.” Cumbria Police Wildlife officer, PC John Baldwin said: “We take all Wildlife Crime seriously. We are currently investigating this case of illegal trapping of an otter and would appeal to members of the public to assist us with our enquiries.

“The use of these traps is illegal and in partnership with the Environment Agency, we will look to take enforcement action against anyone who can be traced settings these traps.”

Anyone with information should contact either the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 or PC John Baldwin, at Ulverston Police Station on 0845 33 00 247.