Meet Splash – this adorable Asian otter that has amazing talents. The small-clawed mustelid with the Peace River K-9 Search and Rescue Dive Team in Southwest Florida is trained to locate victims in low to no-visibility bodies of water.
The diverse family of carnivorous mammals in the weasel family are characterized by their elongated bodies, short legs and their keen hunting skills.
Splash’s unique talents stem from his olfactory ability to detect odors underwater by blowing out bubbles from his mouth which he “tastes.”
According to the Peace River team, Splash was donated by an Arizona zoo and has been in training for more than a year. And when Splash finds something, he grabs his trainer’s mask. The otter is then rewarded with pieces of salmon.
Mike Hadsell has been Splash’s trainer:
You’ll see all these bubbles coming out, and he’s sucking some of those bubbles back in and he’s tasting them. The odor attaches itself to the bubble, and then he tastes it when it comes into his mouth. And so that’s how he does it. When he finds something, he comes back and he grabs my mask.
Splash provides the help usually not associated with the abilities of search and rescue dogs, since K9s are not able to search murky waters. When Splash is on a mission, he is tethered to a long line to keep him safe and from wandering off.
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Splash has had three successful finds, according to Popular Science, garnering interest from all over the country, including from the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The biggest hurdle for Splash and the team diving into the murky waters, however have been alligators.
Splash has become very affectionate, and on his off time, he loves to wrestle, chase the cats and dogs at the ranch, but when it’s time to rest, enjoys cuddling up with his trainer in bed.
Splash’s special abilities to find the remains of loved ones and have aided families finding closure.
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