SPRINGFIELD – At least 500 otters have been caught so far in Illinois’ first river otter trapping season since 1929, and authorities say the prime weeks are still ahead.

Bob Bluett of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said 500 trapped otters have been registered with the season less than half over. Illinois’ season began in November, and it closes statewide March 31.

“A harvest of 2,000 statewide would put us in good shape,” Mike Gragert, president of the Illinois Trappers Association, told The (Springfield) State Journal-Register. “I think we’ll harvest that many, but it depends on the weather.”