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Park's Otters Couldn't Pursue Invasive Lake Trout, New Research Indicates
A January report on Yellowstone National Park's river otters by University of Wyoming researchers concludes that otters in Yellowstone Lake could have a difficult time adapting should invasive lake trout drive out more of the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout the otters feed on. The mammals, which came to Yellowstone 11,000 years ago, likely don't have the physiological capacity to successfully switch to preying on lake trout, which inhabit deeper water (below 130 feet). Comparing blood gas analyses and blood chemistry of Yellowstone and sea-level otters, the researchers discovered that Yellowstone otters' different blood component levels help them adapt to less oxygen at altitude. But their theoretical aerobic dive limit still equals that of their sea-level cousins. And their adaptations, including increased blood viscosity, could reduce their blood flow and swim speeds, and thus their fishing success rates, as they follow lake trout into deeper water. The 10- to 30-pound Yellowstone otters have a nearly 40 percent success rate per dive against cutthroat trout.
Grizzlies and bald eagles are also threatened by the illegally introduced lake trout, which compete with native species for the same food source. Lake trout have overwhelmed cutthroats by outbreeding and eating them. A single mature lake trout consumes 41 cutthroats annually.
In 2009, the National Park Service ramped up its lake trout suppression program in Yellowstone Lake, employing contractors using commercial-scale gillnets and deep-water trap nets to harvest more invaders. From the mid-1990s through 2010, more than 600,000 were caught. In 2011, 220,000-plus were killed.
With support from fisheries and environmental groups, the park will continue the commercial fishing efforts, at a cost of $2 million annually, through at least 2017. It already has half the required funds and is seeking another $1 million a year from private donors. |
| Summer Volunteers Needed | | |
If you love the magic of Yellowstone, consider spending this summer volunteering with the Yellowstone Association. We are looking for generous, hardworking, enthusiastic individuals and couples to support our mission to connect visitors to Yellowstone through education. Volunteers generally commit to two-three month seasons at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch Field Campus, the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus, the Association Headquarters at Yellowstone's North Entrance, or Destination Yellowstone at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Volunteers receive a daily stipend, and housing is provided at most locations. Opportunities include program assistants, campus caretakers, and information assistants.
More information... |
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Add a Vision of Yellowstone to Your Décor | |
 Planning to redecorate this year? Add a remembrance of Yellowstone. Our Park Store has two elegant vintage-style image prints that bring a bit of the call of the wild to any room. Upper Geyser Basin depicts a bison, steamy geysers, and snow-covered firs against a blue and peach winter twilight. Lamar Valley, also in shades of blue, features iconic bison, bears, and howling wolves. Each image measures 4.25 by 6.25 inches, matted to fit an 8-by-10 frame. Price: $9.99 each ($8.50 for YA members) |
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Become a Member and Make a Difference
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 Join more than 34,000 individuals and families around the world who are committed to protecting Yellowstone for future generations by becoming an Association member. With a gift of only $35 annually or $10 per month, you'll support important National Park Service education projects in Yellowstone, including publications and state-of-the-art exhibits. You'll also receive many benefits, including:- Subscription to our quarterly magazine, with articles on park history, geology, and wildlife.
- Seasonal discounts on park hotels and cabins.
- Discounts at our Park Stores, and more!
Become a new member at $50 or more and you'll receive a Yellowstone Association baseball cap as our thank you. Join now... |
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Institute Offers Three More Wolf Weeks in March | |
 The opportunity to see a wolf in the wild, so rare in most of the United States, is always a likely possibility in Yellowstone. Winter is the easiest time to spot them, and they are even more active once mating season begins in February. The Institute offers its popular Lamar Valley Wolf Weeks March 6-10, 12-16, and 18-22, right in the valley where several packs live and hunt. Immerse yourself in their world with daily morning excursions to spot wolves and afternoon snowshoe treks led by YA naturalists, plus presentations on wolf behavior and issues. Catered meals are included in the $620 course cost. |
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