WDFW statement Sept. 12, 2024
Last updated at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 13
On Thursday, Sept. 12 at approximately 9:30 a.m., Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Officers received a report of a human-river otter incident that occurred at the Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County.
The victim’s mother reported that a river otter pulled her young child into the water as they were walking down the dock. The child was dragged underwater, and after a few moments, resurfaced. The child’s mother was able to lift the child out of the water while the otter continued to attack and was subsequently bit in the arm. The river otter continued to pursue the family as they left the dock. The child sustained scratches and bites to the top of the head, face and legs.
The child was treated for their injuries at a Silverdale hospital.
“We are grateful the victim only sustained minor injuries, due to the mother’s quick actions and child’s resiliency,” said WDFW Sergeant, Ken Balazs. “We would also like to thank the Port of Bremerton for their quick coordination and communication to their marina tenants.”
WDFW Fish and Wildlife officers contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services to trap and lethally remove river otters from the marina. One river otter was trapped at the scene. The animal is being transported to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab for further evaluation, including testing for rabies.
River otters (Lontra canadensis) are relatively common throughout Washington and can be found in fresh, brackish, or saltwater habitats. The species is mostly aquatic, though they can spend considerable time out of water. River otters are classified as a furbearer in Washington, meaning they are a game species that can be trapped. Although encounters with river otters are rare, they can be territorial and, like any wildlife, are inherently unpredictable.
There have been six documented human-river otter incidents in Washington in the last decade.
WDFW Police works to protect the public’s safety and to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Media contact: Communications Office