River Otter Injures Mother and Child on Marina Dock, Say Officials

A mother and her young child were involved in a frightening encounter with a river otter while walking on a dock at a marina in Bremerton, Washington, on Thursday morning, according to wildlife officials.

During the incident, the otter pulled the child off the dock and briefly dragged them underwater, as reported by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). This rare attack occurred at a marina located on the Puget Sound, directly across from Seattle.

The WDFW stated in a press release that the mother witnessed the river otter grabbing her child as they both walked along the dock. The child was submerged for a moment before resurfacing.

In a desperate effort, the mother managed to pull the child out of the water, but the otter continued to pursue them as they exited the dock. The reported injuries were significant, with the child suffering scratches and bites to the head, face, and legs, while the mother sustained a bite on her arm.

The young child was subsequently treated at a local hospital for minor injuries, although the child’s age has not been disclosed by the department.

WDFW Sergeant Ken Balazs commended the mother’s quick response, stating, “We are grateful the victim only sustained minor injuries, due to the mother’s quick actions and child’s resiliency.” He also expressed appreciation to the Port of Bremerton for their prompt coordination and communication regarding the safety of marina tenants.

The identities of the mother and child have not been disclosed to the public. Following the incident, state wildlife officials reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to trap and potentially remove the river otters from Bremerton Marina. As a result, one river otter was captured at the location and taken to a lab for evaluation and testing for rabies.

River otters are generally found throughout Washington state in various habitats, including fresh, brackish, or saltwater areas. Despite being relatively common, there have only been six recorded human-river otter interactions in the state over the past decade, according to WDFW.

The department noted that while encounters with river otters are uncommon, these animals can be territorial and unpredictable, like all wildlife. They remind the public to remain cautious around wild animals, enhancing the importance of understanding wildlife behavior when venturing into their habitats.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in natural settings. River otters, though often thought of as playful and harmless creatures, can exhibit aggressive behavior when they feel threatened or cornered.

As summer activities, such as boating and fishing, attract more people to the water, the WDFW encourages the public to remain informed about local wildlife and to take necessary precautions to ensure both personal safety and the well-being of animals that inhabit those areas.

By staying vigilant and respecting wildlife boundaries, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents occurring in the future.

Source: ABC News