YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Save the Wildlife in Mill Creek Park is raising concerns about otter trapping after an incident occurred at the park last weekend.

A member of the Audubon Society, a group protecting wildlife, found an Otter thrashing in a trap. The river otter was able to be released from the trap without injury by an Ohio Division of Wildlife officer.

Mill Creek MetroParks is aware of the incident that took place at the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

The park tells us the man who set the trap, Dan Volpe, was cited for improper tagging of a trap and setting the trap in an improper location.

Volpe is allowed to set traps to help manage the park's wildlife and habitat.

Mill Creek MetroParks released a statement that nuisance trapping permits are issued on an annual basis by the MetroParks as part of recommended wildlife and habitat management activities in an effort to maintain ecological bio-diversity within our natural areas.

River otters are a non-targeted species and is not included under any nuisance trapping permits.