OSP release - LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. (15 June 2026) – 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 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. 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 [email protected]. Reference case number SP26-146568.