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What Does

Otter

Removal cost?

How We Price (We Don’t Do Scare Tactics)

  • Evidence first. We rely on photos, tracks, and field signs to confirm activity.

  • Options, not pressure. You’ll see transparent choices based on your needs and budget.

  • Humane by design. We follow Virginia wildlife regulations and prioritize welfare.

  • No surprises. We explain what’s needed and what it costs up front — so there are no hidden fees or guesswork later.

Otter Removal, Pond Protection & Prevention— How Pricing Works

River otters are powerful swimmers and expert hunters. They’re fascinating to watch in the wild — but when they take up residence in private ponds, fish hatcheries, or ornamental water features, they can quickly deplete stocked fish and damage liners, banks, and docks. Because otters travel in family groups and are strong, intelligent animals, removal and prevention require professional strategy, specialized traps, and careful timing. Pricing depends on pond size, access, and the degree of damage or activity. Below explains how we approach otter control, what affects cost, and what most customers typically spend.

  • 1) Small pond, early activity

    • Inspection $75

    • Trap setup $350

    • Two return visits $85

    Estimated total: ~$595

    2) Active family group, multiple slides

    • Inspection $75

    • Trap setup $350

    • Four return visits ($85 each) $340

    Estimated total: ~$765

    3) Moderate pond with recurring issues

    • Inspection $195

    • Trap setup $350

    • Exclusion fencing $2,000

    • Trail camera monitoring $200

    Estimated total: ~$2,745

    4) Large commercial pond system

    • Inspection $195

    • Trap setup $350

    • Five return visits ($85 each) $425

    • Full exclusion + rip-rap $4,200

    Estimated total: ~$5,170

    These are examples, not quotes. Your written estimate will always reflect verified site conditions and chosen scope of work.

  • • Size and accessibility of pond or shoreline

    • Number of active slides or dens

    • Equipment access (boat, ATV, waders required)

    • Type of pond (natural, lined, ornamental, commercial)

    • Damage level to banks or structures

    • Travel distance and monitoring frequency

    • Long-term prevention vs. immediate removal only

  • • Inspection: $195

    • Humane trapping: $350 setup + $85 per return visit

    • Bank repair: $400–$1,200

    • Exclusion / fencing: $1,200–$3,500 typical; $3,500–$6,500+ complex

    • Add-ons: riprap, inlet barriers, liner repair, camera monitoring

    No scare tactics. No shortcuts. Just clear, humane otter control — built around protection, transparency, and respect for wildlife.

  • Standard inspection (within our service area): $195

    What you get:

    • Full pond and shoreline inspection (including docks, spillways, and inlets)

    • Identification of active slides, scat, or feeding areas

    • Photos or video documentation for proof and planning

    • Evaluation of fish loss and potential re-entry routes

    • Written action plan for removal, deterrence, and long-term protection

    Why we start here:

    Otters use predictable travel routes but are cautious of new objects. A detailed inspection allows us to identify the best locations for trap placement or fencing before we begin — saving time and ensuring humane results.

  • Setup package: $350

    Return visits: $85 per trip

    What’s included:

    • Up to 2 professional-grade traps + 2 cellular cameras for 24/7 remote monitoring

    • Strategic placement along slides or dens for minimal disturbance

    • Real-time notification upon capture

    • Humane removal compliant with Virginia wildlife laws

    Why cameras:

    Otters are active mostly at night and in bad weather. Monitored traps ensure fast, humane responses and prevent unnecessary site visits or stress on the animals.

  • Ballpark: $400–$1,200

    After activity stops, we restore and reinforce damaged areas:

    • Collapse or fill den tunnels and slides along the shoreline

    • Compact soft banks and stabilize with rock or mesh

    • Repair torn pond liners (when applicable)

    • Install protective fencing around inlets or spillways

    Why it matters:

    Otters will reuse successful den sites. Repairing tunnels and disturbed banks is key to preventing repeat visits and maintaining pond integrity.

  • Typical ponds: $1,200–$3,500

    Large or commercial water systems: $3,500–$6,500+

    What it includes:

    • Installation of heavy-gauge fencing or welded wire mesh barriers at entry zones

    • Reinforcement of dam faces, overflow pipes, and water inlets

    • Optional motion lighting or noise deterrents for perimeter control

    • Annual recheck option for recurring activity

    Why people choose this:

    Otters are territorial. Once they find a productive fishing pond, they return season after season. Proper exclusion keeps both the pond and the fish population safe without harming wildlife.

  • • Pond or inlet fencing — $15–$25 per linear foot installed

    • Riprap bank reinforcement — $20–$35 per linear foot

    • Pond liner repair — $300–$800

    • Trail camera installation — $150–$300

    • Access clearing or debris removal — $100–$300

    We only recommend add-ons that serve a clear purpose — protection, not excess.

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Located in Gretna, VA. We proudly serve most of South-Central Virginia, including Lynchburg, Roanoke, Danville, Martinsville, Appomattox, Halifax, and surrounding areas — with frequent service to Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, and Hardy.