Wildlife agency issues statement after child attack by otter

On Thursday morning, a river otter attacked a small child at the Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County, Washington, near Seattle, prompting a response from state wildlife authorities.

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) released a statement detailing the incident at around 9:30 a.m. on September 12.

According to WDFW, the otter pulled the child into the water as it was walking with its mother on a dock. The child was briefly underwater before resurfacing. When the mother rescued her child from the water, the otter continued the attack, biting her on the arm. The animal continued its aggressive behavior and chased the family as they attempted to leave the dock.

Officials said the child suffered scratches and bites to her head, face and legs during the attack. After the incident, the child was taken to a hospital in nearby Silverdale for treatment.

“We are thankful that the victim suffered only minor injuries thanks to the quick actions of the mother and the resilience of the child,” said Ken Balazs, sergeant with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, in the statement. He also thanked the Port of Bremerton for its quick coordination and communication with marina tenants.

In response to the incident, WDFW officials contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Service to capture and remove river otters from the marina. One river otter was successfully captured at the scene. The captured animal will be taken to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab for evaluation, including testing for rabies. Results are expected as early as Tuesday, September 17.

River otters (Lontra canadensis) are widespread in Washington's aquatic ecosystems, inhabiting the freshwater, brackish, and saltwater habitats listed in the declaration. Although they live primarily in the water, they can spend a lot of time on land. In Washington, river otters are classified as fur-bearing animals, allowing for a regulated harvest quota.

According to WDFW, encounters between humans and river otters are rare, with only six incidents documented in Washington over the past decade. However, wildlife officials point out that river otters can be territorial and, like all wild animals, are unpredictable.

While authorities await test results, WDFW is urging the public to remain vigilant around wildlife. The agency says its mission is to ensure public safety while conserving and protecting fish, wildlife and ecosystems, and providing sustainable recreational and business opportunities.

Newsweek I contacted WDFW via email on Saturday for further comment.