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What to Do When Otters Move In

  • 32 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Living with Neighbors: What to Do When Otters Move In 🦦

It’s that delightful Lake Union and Portage Bay experience: looking out your window to see a sleek head happily bobbing in the water. But for some members of our community, that charm wears thin when those "cute" neighbors decide to move in.


Recently, a homeowner around Mallard Cove reached out to the FHA with a common dilemma:


"My wife and I recently discovered that otters have taken a shine to our floating home, and are creating mayhem above and below the waterline. What can we humanely do about them?"


To provide the best advice for our unique environment, we reached out to wildlife experts, “old timers,” and local maritime professionals. Here is the lowdown on managing our slippery friends without breaking the law—or your heart.



The Reality of Relocation

Many homeowners assume the kindest path is to trap and "move" the otters to a nice park. However, in Washington State, this is rarely an option.


Suzanne West, Executive Director of the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, explains:


"There is no one that can come and relocate the otters. It is actually illegal for them to be relocated. While you can hire a Wildlife Control Operator (Trapper), they are often required by state law to euthanize the animals they catch."


The logic behind this is biological; relocating animals can spread diseases (like distemper or rabies) and often results in the death of the animal anyway, as they are dropped into another otter’s territory without a known food source or shelter.


Strategy 1: The "Haze" Phase

Since you can't move them, you have to make them want to leave. Otters are often looking for quiet, dark, and safe places to have their pups. Your goal is to make your home the opposite of that. "The best approach is to haze them," says Suzanne. "Non-lethal methods include placing a radio in the area they are denning or installing bright lights. If the area is noisy and bright, it’s no longer a good nursery. That is the best way to make them move along."


Other DIY Hazing Tips:

  • Scent Repellents: Some homeowners have success with scent-based deterrents like "Repel-All" or even cayenne pepper sprinkled near entry points.

  • The Garden Hose: If you see them on your deck, a quick (but gentle) spray with a hose is a clear signal that they aren't welcome. Be careful though!



Strategy 2: Defensive Architecture

Once you’ve successfully encouraged the otters to vacate, you should consider  "locking the door" behind them. This is where physical exclusion comes in.

Derek Voelker of Seattle Dive Company notes that while relocation isn't the answer, defensive measures are highly effective:


"We recommend taking defensive measures like using repellent scents or installing bright lights to discourage nesting. For a long-term fix, using stainless steel mesh around the house is often the best solution."


Derek has helped many floating home owners install this mesh (often called hardware cloth) to prevent otters and beavers from getting under logs or into stringers.  He ensure the animals are definitely out before sealing anything off. 


These creatures are neighbors


Ann Prezyna, Eastlake floating home owner and board member of Washington Wildlife First adds: "We share our water with otters, and they’re one of the joys of living here. Many of us love hearing their chirps, looking out the window to see them playing, catching fish, or simply gliding by. Moments like that are part of why we chose life on the water—being close to wildlife. It’s a bit like having the Nature Channel right outside our windows, and it’s free."


As Suzanne adds: "The water was there for them first!" By using humane hazing and sturdy mesh, we can keep our homes intact while letting the otters find a more appropriate "wild" spot to raise their families.


Helpful Contacts

If you’re ready to transition from "Otter Hotel" back to "Floating Home," here are some resources:





<<note image generated by Nano Banana>>

 
 
 

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