Poop On The Dock

[Flutterby]

I few years ago, many of the boaters on my deck at a marina on Bethel Island started having a big problem with river otters using our docks as a depository for their poop. It was a mess and stinky too! [:-banghead]

Here's what we did to stop it:
First, we got everyone to agree to leave no carpet strips, doormats etc on the docks. And we all agreed to secure our dock lines so they did not rest on the dock. I just returned mine from the dock cleats to my boat. [:-bouncy]

Second, everyone agreed to hose off any and all poop every time it arrived. If a neighbor wasn't at his boat, a neighbor would clean up that area for him. In other words keep the entire area as clean as possible. [:-bulb]

Finally, just before leaving the dock to return home, pour a liberal amount of vinegar anywhere that the critters have pooped. The vinegar seems to neutralize the odor and helps to discourage their return.

Hope this helps!!!!!

 

[yzer]

Good advise. River otters have been known to visit our marina for years.

I've known people to use a Clorox wash on soiled decks, too. Actually, over the years I've seen nothing that works better than hosing down decks with plain water whenever otter crap is found. You just have to be diligent.

Spindrift marina is good about this. They check the docks a couple of times a day and will hose off the decks if needed. Otters return to revist a spot if they can smell droppings. It's one way they mark a territory. They will also "spray" posts, dock lockers and other items. It's good to hose those down, too.

One sure way to attract river otters to a slip: drag a nice big sturgeon on the deck or leave scales or fish blood to dry there. Cart the fish and hose off the cart later. Hose off scales and other fish leavins'. Don't leave unsealed food or garbage onboard the boat. Otters have a keen sense of smell. The scent from pet dog or cat droppings is going to provoke an otter to leave you a greeting card, too.

 

[Flutterby]

We tried Clorox without good results. But the poop sat there from one weekend to another. How nice that your marina is so diligent about this problem! My marina, not where I am now, left it all up to the berthers.

 

[yzer]

What do you think? Think this bear urine might give those water wieners the right message? On second thought it might be more trouble than it's worth.

But, if you find a bear between me and the dock reefer, don't put your money on the bear.

 

[Flutterby]

LOL Since bear is not a typical threat to otters, I doubt it would be useful! But one never knows. The only thing I want between me and a bear is a double barreled shotgun, fully loaded.

 

[yzer]

You never know... there were plenty of bears in the valley at one time. Otters may still have an instinctual memory of the scent.