OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is seeking reports of gray foxes, river otters, black bears and other furbearers.

Wildlife biologists use public reports to monitor populations of these species.

The gray fox is one of two fox species found in Ohio and it is less common than the red fox. Gray foxes prefer wooded areas and thick brush, whereas red foxes use a mix of habitats, including agricultural areas and woods.

The gray fox has a distinguishing black tip to its tail and has a unique ability among canines to climb trees and is most abundant in the forested portions of eastern Ohio. The breed is active during the winter as peak breeding nears and submitting reports allow the Division of Wildlife to guide gray fox management and provide biologists with information on population health, demographics and genetics, according to ODNR.

River otters were once extirpated from Ohio but were reintroduced to four watersheds between 1986 and 1993. Today, they are found nearly statewide and are no longer listed on Ohio's endangered species list. Trapping season for river otters begin on Dec. 26 and this is highly regulated to limited harvest opportunities for river otters. Following the start of trapping season, trappers are asked to submit river otter carcasses. Information on the age, sex and reproductive status of river otter carcasses is used to monitor the status of the population, according to ODNR.

Black bears are endangered in Ohio and were once extirpated, according to ODNR. In the last century, the species began naturally recolonizing eastern Ohio, and while sighting are still relatively uncommon, they have been increasing in recent years. ODNR asks to report sightings when possible and safe.

You can submit sightings to your county wildlife officer. ODNR said carcasses can be from harvests or roadkill, but it is not permitted to collect roadkill carcasses. Other furbearers that you can report include fishers, badgers, weasels and bobcats.