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A New Kind of Rescue Animal Makes Waves in Florida
In the challenging waters of Florida, search and rescue teams are often on the hunt for more than just signs of life—they’re searching for closure. Mike Hadsell, the head of Peace River K9 Search and Rescue, has spent decades using trained dogs to locate missing people. But now, his latest partner isn’t a canine—it’s an otter named Splash. This Asian small-clawed otter is being trained to detect the scent of human remains beneath the water’s surface, a breakthrough that could open up entirely new possibilities in search and recovery.
Image Credit: 10 Tampa Bay / YouTube
How Splash Is Trained to Find the Unseen
In the backyard of Hadsell’s Englewood, Florida home, Splash trains in a series of kiddie pools. The scent of human remains is placed in the water, and Splash begins his search. He uses a surprising technique: “You’ll see bubbles come out, and he sucks some in, tasting the odor,” Hadsell explained. “The scent clings to the bubbles, and when Splash identifies it, he swims back and grabs my mask.” The approach is delicate, precise, and unlike anything Hadsell has done before. And the best part? When Splash gets it right, he’s rewarded with a favorite treat—salmon.
Image Credit: 10 Tampa Bay / YouTube
Why an Otter? Because It Works
The inspiration came from a simple question: “Why not?” After seeing the limitations of traditional search methods, especially in low-visibility water, Hadsell realized an otter’s natural swimming skills and keen scent detection could be a perfect match. A zoo owner in Arizona agreed and donated Splash to the cause. Over the last 14 months, Splash has proven himself more than capable. “He’s very popular with the FBI and FDLE now,” Hadsell laughed. “I’ve got a list of search requests across the country.”
Image Credit: 10 Tampa Bay / YouTube
Splash the Otter Is More Than Just a Worker
While he’s focused in the water, Splash has a playful side, too. He shares his days with Dutch, the German Shepherd search dog, and even wrestles with the family cat. At night, he sleeps curled up with Hadsell and his family—either by their feet or nestled on the pillow. Still, Hadsell is cautious: “Otters are cousins to wolverines. They’ve got strong, sharp teeth. I’m 66 and on blood thinners, so when I get bit, I bleed,” he said with a grin.
Image Credit: 10 Tampa Bay / YouTube
Opening a Door to Rescue What Was Once Lost
The potential of Splash’s work is especially moving in cases like that of Maureen Sherman, who was found 38 years after she disappeared. Her family always hoped she might still be out there. Now, the question becomes: what about victims who aren’t in vehicles? What about those lost in water, unseen? Splash might be the answer. “That’s a whole new door opened up,” said Sherman’s son, James. Hadsell agrees. “I expect to see a lot of otters out there. In ten years, I think they’ll be standard issue.”
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