A river otter attacked a child at a Bremerton marina on Thursday, pulling the child underwater and injuring both the boy and his mother, who intervened to save him.

The incident raises concerns about human-wildlife interactions, particularly with river otters, which, while common in Washington, are typically non-aggressive. This attack, one among only six documented incidents in the state over the last decade, resulted in the child's hospitalization for minor injuries and the mother sustaining bites while rescuing her son. Following the encounter, wildlife officials euthanized the otter and will test its body for rabies, highlighting the need for increased awareness and precaution during outdoor activities in otter habitats.

The attack occurred in the morning hours at a bustling marina, where many families frequent during the summer. The river otter, which is native to the region and generally tolerant of human presence, unexpectedly exhibited aggressive behavior. Witness reports indicate that the otter lunged at the child, who was playing near the water's edge.

According to eyewitnesses, the child, whose identity has not been released, was suddenly pulled underwater by the otter, despite the mother being present on the dock. In a desperate attempt to save her son, the mother leaped into the water and subsequently suffered a bite on the arm.

Upon emerging from the water, the child showed visible signs of distress, having sustained scratches and bites on multiple parts of the body, including the head, face, and legs. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the child was transported to a local hospital for treatment of these minor injuries. Fortunately, both the child and the mother were released after receiving medical attention.

Ken Balazs of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) commented on the incident, stating that the mother's quick intervention played a significant role in mitigating the situation. He also remarked on the child's resiliency despite the traumatic experience, underscoring the importance of parental supervision during such outdoor activities.

As the family exited the dock, the otter continued its pursuit, an action not typical of the species. This aggressive behavior alarmed other marina visitors, prompting officials to take immediate action. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services intervened and captured the otter later that day, deciding to euthanize it to assess if it posed any further risk to human safety.

Following the otter's capture, wildlife officials announced that they would conduct tests for rabies as a precautionary measure. Testing for rabies is standard procedure in such cases, given the potential threat of wildlife harboring rabies to humans and pets. Ken Balazs mentioned that rabies is a serious concern, and understanding the health status of the animal is critical for community safety.

River otters are common in Washington state and inhabit diverse environments, including freshwater, brackish, and saltwater areas. Despite their presence, encounters with them are infrequent. Otters are known for their playful nature, yet they can be territorial, especially when defending their young or perceived territory.

In the last decade, the state has documented six human-river otter incidents, highlighting the rarity of such attacks. For context, last year, three women in Montana faced a similar experience when an otter attacked while they were tubing on the Jefferson River. These incidents serve as a reminder that while wildlife can often coexist peacefully with humans, unexpected encounters can occur.

Safety experts recommend that families recreating near water should remain vigilant, especially in areas known for river otter activity. Educating the public about the behavior of river otters and other wildlife can foster a safer environment for both humans and animals alike. Parents are encouraged to supervise children closely and ensure they understand safe behavior around natural habitats.

This incident at the Bremerton marina is a reminder of the complexities of human interactions with wildlife. Charges can escalate quickly under certain circumstances, prompting a need for continuous education and awareness among residents and visitors in Washington.