River otters are semi-aquatic mammals native to Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) successfully brought them back, and now they live statewide in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and along waterway banks. These sleek animals have thick, muscular necks, wide heads, short legs, webbed feet, long flat tails, and dark brown fur that's lighter on the belly for blending in. Males average 25 pounds and 48 inches long (including the tail), while females average 19 pounds and 44 inches. Otters are very social, active at night or during dawn and dusk, and can live up to 17 years in the wild with good food and habitat. They eat mostly fish, crayfish, amphibians, and small mammals, relying on a strong sense of smell and touch since their eyesight is weak. As furbearers, otters help nature by keeping fish numbers in check and showing that waterways are healthy. But they can become pests in areas changed by humans. River otters create problems mainly through hunting and using spaces near human developments. They eat lots of fish from stocked ponds, lakes, or fish farms, causing big losses for owners. Otters use boat docks, fishing piers, or old structures as bathroom spots, leaving messes with droppings and half-eaten fish. They may build dens under buildings or in burrows, leading to erosion or shaky structures. Otters can carry parasites like nematodes, roundworms, and tapeworms, plus bacterial diseases such as salmonellosis or tuberculosis. These can spread to humans, pets, or livestock through touch or dirty water. In rural spots, otters might damage dams or levees by digging. With their numbers growing, sightings and complaints have increased. Issues are worst during breeding season (February to March) and when food is low, with signs like tracks, scat, and fish remains proving they're around. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!