River Otter Relocated After Wildlife Deaths

A river otter at Lake Eola Park in Orlando was captured and relocated after being implicated in the deaths of two Australian Black swans and a duck. The otter was first reported by park visitors on July 15, coinciding with the discovery of the deceased birds. Following consultations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Orange County Animal Services, a private trapper was contracted to humanely capture the otter, which was successfully relocated to the South Econlockhatchee River. While the FWC noted that the otter's involvement in the deaths had not been conclusively confirmed, the city is taking measures to enhance the park's bird population by introducing at least six new swans by year-end. Park officials emphasized that river otters, being native to Florida, are part of the local ecosystem and natural wildlife interactions can occur. The humane handling of the situation was highlighted by the trapping and relocation process.