River otter found trapped at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

CANFIELD — Some of the same community members who have protested recent staff dismissals at Mill Creek MetroParks now are raising concerns about wildlife protection after an incident at the park system’s wildlife sanctuary.

Jeff Harvey, president of the Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley and a surveyor of the sanctuary’s bird life, made a discovery over the weekend that was shocking to him: a river otter ensnared in a trap.

“It was terrible. I went into panic mode. The poor creature was thrashing around up on the dike,” he said, recalling how he grabbed his camera to photograph the animal before realizing that it was trapped.

Harvey immediately contacted MetroParks police. Together, he and park police – who he said appeared just as upset as he was – contacted the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

State wildlife law enforcement, MetroParks police and other responders were able to safely release the river otter, which reportedly swam away immediately.

The incident has led to misdemeanor charges for the owner of the traps, who the MetroParks allows to operate as part of its wildlife and habitat management efforts. Dan Volpe is cited through Mahoning County Area Court by here for failure to tag a trap and for having too large of a trap on land.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com