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Otter Removal, Otter Trapping & Otter Control in Virginia

(804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383

 

Otter Removal & Otter Trapping in Virginia. We provide nuisance otter removal, otter trapping, otter control, otter capture and otter management in the Henrico, Glen Allen, Richmond, Midlothian, Charlottesville, and other areas of Virginia. For professional otter removal, contact us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383.

Otter Identification

River otters (Lutra canadensis) are best known for their continuous and playful behavior, their aesthetic value, and the value of their durable, high-quality fur. They have long, streamlined bodies, short legs, and a robust, tapered tail, all of which are well adapted to their mostly aquatic habitat. They have prominent whiskers just behind and below the nose, thick muscular necks and shoulders, and feet that are webbed between the toes. Their short but thick, soft fur is brown to almost black except on the chin, throat, cheeks, chest, and occasionally the belly, where it is usually lighter, varying from brown to almost beige.

Adult males usually attain lengths of nearly 48 inches (122 cm) and weights of about 25 pounds (11.3 kg), but may reach 54 inches (137 cm) and 33 pounds (15 kg). Their sex can be readily distinguished by the presence of a baculum (penile bone). Females have 4 mammae on the upper chest and are slightly smaller than males. Female adults measure about 44 inches (112 cm) and weigh 19 pounds (8.6 kg). The mean weights and sizes of river otters in southern latitudes tend to be lower than those in latitudes farther north. Animal Removal Services of Virginia provides nuisance otter trapping services in Virginia. Call us today and we will be happy to come out and help you with your unwelcome guests.

Otter Damage and Damage Identification

The presence of river otter(s) around or in a fish hatchery, aquaculture, or fish culture facility is a good indication that a damage problem is imminent. Otter scats or toilets that contain scales, exoskeletons, and other body parts of the species being produced is additional evidence that damage is ongoing. Uneaten parts of fish in shallow water and along the shore is evidence that fish are being taken. Otters usually eat all of a small catfish except for the head and major spines, whereas small trout, salmon, and many of the scaled fishes may be totally eaten. Uneaten carcasses with large puncture holes are likely attributable to herons. River otters can occasionally cause substantial damage to concentrations of fishes in marine aquaculture facilities. Often the damage involves learned feeding behavior by one or a family of otters. (Source: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage, 1994)

 

Navigating Otter Troubles at Lake Anna: Protecting Your Boathouse

As picturesque as Lake Anna’s waters are, homeowners and boathouse operators often encounter an unexpected challenge: North American river otters. Known for their playful nature and aquatic prowess, these otters are a delightful sight for nature enthusiasts. However, their presence isn’t without complications, especially when it comes to maintaining property.

The Otter Dilemma

While otters contribute to the biodiversity of Lake Anna and are thrilling to observe, they can inadvertently cause issues for property owners. Their natural behaviors, adapted for survival, sometimes clash with human interests in the following ways:

  1. Structural Damage: Otters seeking shelter or a place to rear their young may choose boat houses as their den. This can lead to damaged woodwork or insulation as otters try to make the space more suitable for their needs.
  2. Unpleasant Odors and Mess: Otters leave behind waste that can produce strong odors and require frequent cleaning. This aspect of otter behavior can be particularly troublesome for homeowners who pride themselves on keeping pristine properties.
  3. Fish and Wildlife Concerns: For those who maintain live fish in waters near their boat houses, otters pose a threat due to their diet. These skilled hunters may deplete fish stocks, affecting both ecological balance and private resources.

 

The below video shows an otter that we trapped which was causing significant damage in a Lake Anna Virginia boat house. As you can see from the video, otters can be quite aggressive.

Otter Trapping & Removal In Lake Anna Boathouse

 

Our Service Areas

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services is a full-service animal wildlife trapping, animal removal, animal capture, pest control, animal control, and wildlife management company serving counties, cities, towns and communities throughout Virginia. We provide residential, commercial, and industrial animal removal, animal control, animal trapping, animal capture, pest control and wildlife management services in Afton, Albemarle County, Alexandria, Amelia County, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Ashland, Barboursville, Bellwood, Belmont, Bensley, Bermuda Hundred, Bon Air, Boyd Tavern, Brandermill, Bumpass, Burke, Central VA, Centreville, Chamberlain, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Chester, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Crozet, Cuckoo, CVille, Dale City, Doswell, Dumbarton, Earlysville, East Highland Park, Enon, Ettrick, Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Ferncliff, Fluvanna County, Fredericksburg, Genito, Glen Allen, Glenora, Goochland County, Gordonsville, Gum Spring, Hadensville, Hampton, Hampton Park, Hanover County, Harrisonburg, Harrogate, Hening, Henrico County, Highland Springs, Hopewell, Innsbrook, Jefferson Davis, Kents Store, Keswick, Lake Anna, Lake Monticello, Lake Ridge, Lakeside, Laurel, Leesburg, Lewiston, Lignum, Locust Grove, Louisa County, Maidens, Manakin, Manakin-Sabot, Manassas, Manchester, McLean, Montrose, Motoaca, Meadowbrook, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Mineral, Moseley, Newport News, Norfolk, North Courthouse, North Garden, Oilville, Orange County, Palmyra, Pantops, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Powhatan County, Reams, Reston, Richmond, Richmond County, Robious, Rockville, Rockwood, RVA, Salisbury, Sandston, Sandy Hook, Scottsville, Shannon Hill, Short Pump, South Rockwood, Spring Run, Staunton, Stoney Point, Suffolk, Tidewater, Troy, Tuckahoe, Va, Varina, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, Williamsburg, Winchester, Winterpock, Woodlake, Wyndham, and the surrounding areas of Virginia.

 

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Contact Us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383 for Virginia animal trapping, animal control, wildlife removal, pest control, animal capture, animal exclusion or wildlife management in VA involving:

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