OSP Fish & Wildlife Looking For Tips In Unlawful River Otter Killing

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a river otter east of Waldport in Lincoln County. On May 6, 2026, Fish and Wildlife troopers received a report of a deceased river otter floating in Thissel Pond in eastern Lincoln County. Thissel Pond is a popular trout fishing pond located near the Oregon Hatchery Research Center on Fall Creek Road in Alsea.

Troopers arrived and located a male river otter that had been shot with a small caliber bullet. The investigation determined the otter was most likely shot sometime between April 26 and May 3, 2026. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP26-146568.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.  

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.