Several furbearer trapping seasons open today in Iowa, with some changes for hunters to be aware of this year.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer for Audubon, Greene, and Guthrie counties Jeremy King says the DNR changed its rules on river otters, allowing people to trap three otters instead of two previously, and those who take an otter or bobcat must contact a conservation officer within 24 hours rather than the previous seven-day requirement in order to receive a tag. Raccoon, opossum, striped skunk, red and gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, minks, muskrats, weasels, badgers and beavers can also be caught from now until January 31st. King reminds hunters of the maximum of three bobcats allowed per furharvester, and all residents and nonresidents regardless of age must have a furharvester license to trap or hunt fur bearing animals. Residents ages 16-64 must also have paid the habitat fee, and a hunting license is not needed to hunt furbearers.