Otter Creek is an organization dedicated to protecting our environment.
We conduct research into humane solutions to manage invasive and non-native species such as pythons, iguanas, feral hogs, lionfish, and various plants. We support our efforts through your donations, adoptions, and through sharing our research. Join us!
Did you know that feral hogs can breed at the early age of 6 months and that a single female can have two litters of 6 to 9 piglets a year! With few natural predators, even human control measures such as trapping, barbaric field castrations, and hunting cannot keep up with the population growth. That is why we are developing oral contraceptives. It does not kill the pigs, just permanently sterilizes them, painlessly and without side effects
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Our Mission & History
Feral hogs are one of the smartest animals on the planet after whales, orcas, porpoises and apes. They are even smarter than our dogs and cats and even a small child. Some might say that “they are just animals”, but they are much more like us than you might think. They have the ability to grieve, they are altruistic and will protect the vulnerable. Pigs can be goofy, overbearing, compassionate, bullies, or just plain average. Feral hogs have distinct personalities and join cliques based on mutual interests. Feral hogs can laugh and cry, they show happiness and sadness, suffer from depression and stress. They play with toys and give gifts. They have different roles in their herds which they may keep for life; such as “Security“, Teacher, or even “Doctor Pig“. They have a fantastic memory and can hold a grudge for years. They can even understand spatial navigation. They recognize themselves in a mirror and can recognize different humans they interact with. They have a rudimentary language with specific squeals and grunts meaning specific things, including names for their human researchers. These words are passed down from older pigs to younger pigs. They also learn Human words, such as our names for them, words for different types of treats, and can even do tricks when specific words are said. We learned all of this by daily interaction with several packs of feral hogs. As we learned more about them, we switched from being hunters of these “vermin” to respectful members of their community. But we recognized the problem with their rapid population growth and destruction they can cause. To that end we set up shop to develop an oral vaccine for contraception. That was the beginning of Otter Creek Conservancy.
We know we can make a difference. Are you willing to help?
Where we work
We are based out of north Florida, but our efforts will take us as far south as the Florida Keys, westward to Texas, east to the Appalachians and to the far north of Canada. Because our efforts support causes that are worldwide, we also anticipate reaching across the globe as our solutions are proven to be effective in managing invasive and non-native species.
The Key West Team will focus on the Python Project, Lionfish Project, and the Lower keys Marsh Rabbit Data Collection Project.
Our Leadership Team
Keith
- Executive Director
- Founder
A 100% Disabled Combat Veteran, Keith is a graduate of the US Naval Academy with a degree in Marine/Nuclear Engineering. After 28 years in the US Navy, a career as a consultant, Corporate Executive and Senior Federal Government Employee, Keith is pursuing his lifelong dream in starting a research facility and nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the world.
Jane
- Chairman
- Founder
Jane retired from the US Navy as a Chief Petty Officer and dedicated her retirement years to helping others and the environment. Jane is one of those unique individuals that hurt and orphaned wild animals seem to gravitate to. Jane pushed for establishing an organization that could make a difference in repairing the damage we humans have caused to the environment, whether through pollution, encroachment or introduction of non-native and invasive species.
Sawyer & Helen
- Directors
Sawyer and Helen head up our Appalachian & Eastern Seaboard Research Team focusing on invasive and non-native plant species. They are also involved in research on restoring pollinator populations by creating and maintaining habitats that meet pollinator diverse needs for food, shelter, and breeding.
Dakota
- Director
Dakota heads up our Western USA, Central and South America, and Asian efforts. She has worked for and helped establish and lead NGO and nonprofit organizations worldwide that are focused on social and environmental change. She has also been instrumental in supporting animal rescue facilities and refuges throughout the world.
Limpy (deceased)
- Founder
- Motivational Speaker
- Muse
Limpy was one of the original founders of the organization. A sweet disposition and a keen intellect helped propel her up the ranks of the team and drove us to the realization of the nonprofit research goal. Sadly, she was killed by hunters only weeks before we finalized the organization of the nonprofit. Her children, siblings and relatives carry on the effort in her honor.