The otter project
About Otter Splash
A program of Peace River K9 Search & Rescue (PRSAR)
Otter Splash is a pioneering initiative of Peace River K9 Search & Rescue (PRSAR) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving its community by locating missing persons. Through Otter Splash, PRSAR is exploring an unconventional but promising question: can otters help locate human remains in water where traditional search methods reach their limits?
Where It Began
In 2020, the PRSAR association began investigating the use of otters in low- and no-visibility water to assist in the recovery of human remains in cold cases. The idea grew out of a hard reality our teams encounter again and again — that some of the most important searches take place in exactly the conditions where people, equipment, and even trained dogs are least effective.
The Challenge
In dark, turbid, or debris-filled water, human divers are limited, sonar can be inconclusive, and surface-based canine teams cannot follow scent below the waterline. For families waiting on answers in long-unsolved cold cases, these limitations can mean years — sometimes decades — without resolution. Otter Splash exists to help close that gap.
Why Otters
Otters are extraordinarily adapted to the aquatic world. They are agile, persistent swimmers with acutely sensitive whiskers and a natural ease moving through dark, murky water that challenges human searchers. Otter Splash is studying how those natural abilities might be applied, responsibly and humanely, to one of the most difficult problems in water search and recovery.
Our Mission
To research, develop, and validate the use of otters as a humane and effective resource for locating submerged human remains — bringing new capability to low- and no-visibility water searches, and answers to the families and investigators counting on them.
Service Area & Requesting Assistance
Otter Splash serves communities across the United States. To ensure our resources are directed where they can do the most good, all cases are reviewed and must be approved by PRSAR before Otter Splash is deployed.
Our services are generally provided at no charge.
In some situations, costs may apply depending on the travel involved and the complexity of the case. We discuss any potential costs openly and in advance, so requesting agencies and families always know what to expect.
Requests for assistance are best initiated through the investigating agency or law enforcement partner. To inquire, contact PRSAR at [email protected].
Our Commitment
Everything we do is grounded in three commitments: the welfare of the animals in our care, the rigor required for results that hold up in real investigations, and compassion for the families who are waiting.
Get Involved
As a program of PRSAR, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Otter Splash is made possible by the generosity of donors, grant partners, and volunteers. Contributions help fund the research, training, and field work behind the project — and may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Whether you’d like to support the work, partner with us, or simply learn more, we’d welcome hearing from you.
Donate · Partner With Us · Contact PRSAR
