In Bremerton, Washington, a river otter attacked a child at a marina, pulling him underwater and biting him before the mother was able to rescue him. The child sustained scratches and bites to his head, face, and legs and was treated at a local hospital. The mother described how the otter pulled her son into the water and dragged him underneath before they were able to escape. The otter continued to pursue the family as they left the dock, prompting officials to capture and evaluate the animal for rabies. Encounters with river otters are rare but can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, as evidenced by other incidents in Washington and other states. The attack in Bremerton is just one of several documented incidents involving otters attacking humans in recent years. Awareness of the potential risks associated with wildlife encounters is important when engaging in outdoor activities near water habitats where otters are commonly found.
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Child dragged underwater by river otter and rescued at Washington marina
