Are otters a threat to ducks in a lake?

[dawnsglory]

I just saw 2 otters in our lake yesterday. They must have just moved in. I just wonder if they would catch and eat a duck. My muskovies haven't been in the lake yet but now I am worried they will be in danger. They are 2 months old so they are pretty bid now. I want to take them to visit the lake soon so what does anybody think?

 

[Oregon Blues]

They might possibly be. They prefer fish, though.

 

[txreddirtgirl]

if the fish population is not enough to sustain an otter they have been known to grab ducks by the feet while the duck is swimming and eat them.

 

[NateinFL]

If you've ever seen an otter up close and how big and sharp their teeth are, you will realize they definitely could and would eat a duck, especially if they sensed it was helpless, as in couldn't fly away.

 

[dawnsglory]

Great thanks for all the replies. Guess i will have to hold off on letting them out there. Maybe the otters will move along to somewhere else.

 

[lishah2000]

I had one show up at my pond one day. The ducks were very loud and upset about it. At first I thought it was a gator. It had already grabbed something and at first I thought it was one of my ducks. Turned out it was a turtle - a really big turtle. I went after it with a stick (of all things). I was shocked when I saw how big it was. Probably close to the size of my golden ret., just not as tall.

I was already committed and continued to chase it with a stick like a mad woman. Haven't seen it since, but keep a watch for it. After seeing it getting the best of that big turtle, I have no doubt it could take a duck without any problems.

 

[dawnsglory]

Yes they are pretty big. They take all the gators out of our lake so I thought they would be safe and then the otters show up.

 

[tigerluv700]

Yes, definitely otters will hurt, mame, and even kill your ducks. I was just told by a family that lives on a lake in Florida that they have seen them tear up just about anything. Keep the ducks clear of the otters...mean dudes!

 

[aprophet]

they are opportunists they are predators they do not care I have seen them try to eat snapping turtles its the gawd awfulist noise you will ever hear their teeth try to open a turtles shell

 

[Gabe123]

Yes otter will be a threat.Otters will chase them out of the pond or try to kill them if they get the chance.