River Otter Pulls Child Underwater, Attacks Mother at Marina

A young child is recovering from injuries sustained after a river otter dragged them underwater at Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County, Washington. This incident occurred on Thursday morning while the child and their mother were walking down the dock.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that the river otter suddenly pulled the child into the water, dragging them beneath the surface. Thanks to the mother’s quick response, the child was able to resurface and the mother managed to pull them out of the water.

However, during the rescue, the otter continued to attack the child. The young victim suffered scratches and bites on their head, face, and legs. Fortunately, the injuries were classified as minor, largely due to the mother’s swift actions. The child received medical attention and was treated at a nearby hospital.

Following the incident, the otter pursued the family down the dock as they fled, indicating a concerning escalation in behavior. In response, officers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. The objective is to trap and potentially euthanize the otters at the marina to ensure public safety.

Before any actions are taken, the river otters that are captured will be evaluated and tested for rabies at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab. This precautionary measure is essential, especially since interactions between humans and river otters are rare. In the past decade, only six documented incidents have been reported across the state.

River otters are common throughout Washington and are known to be territorial creatures. The Department of Fish and Wildlife emphasized that these animals, like all wildlife, can be unpredictable. While encounters are not frequent, the potential for serious injuries in the event of an attack is significant.

For instance, in a separate incident earlier this year in Montana, a woman required airlifting to a hospital after a river otter attack. Two additional women were also treated for injuries from similar encounters with otters.

River otters pose risks not only to humans but also to pets. There were reports in Florida of otters attacking a man and a dog on the same day in September 2023, demonstrating that the threat from these animals extends beyond human interactions.

This recent incident serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant around waterways where wildlife may be present, especially in areas where families and children frequently gather. The wildlife officials continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further incidents.

As the investigation and management of the river otter population in the area unfold, officials urge the community to report any similar encounters and to exercise caution when near water bodies known to host wildlife.

Awareness and proactive measures can help ensure the safety of both the public and the wildlife, as they strive to coexist in shared habitats.

Source: CBS News