On the morning of September 12, 2024, a river otter attacked a young child at the Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County, Washington. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when the child and their mother were walking on a dock.
The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) reported that the otter pulled the child into the water, causing the child to be briefly submerged before resurfacing. During the attack, the mother managed to rescue her child but was bitten on the arm by the otter, which continued to pursue the family as they tried to leave.
The child sustained scratches and bites to the head, face, and legs from the attack. Following the incident, the child was taken to a hospital in Silverdale for treatment.
Otter Attack at Bremerton Marina Leaves Child Injured and Under Investigation in WashingtonFish and Wildlife Sgt. Ken Balazs expressed gratitude for the child’s minor injuries, attributing the outcome to the mother’s quick response and the child’s resilience. He also acknowledged the Port of Bremerton for their prompt coordination and communication with marina tenants.
In response to the attack, WDFW officers enlisted the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services to address the situation. One river otter was successfully trapped at the marina and is now being transported to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab for evaluation. The tests, including rabies screening, are expected to yield results by Tuesday, September 17.
River otters, while common in Washington’s diverse aquatic habitats, are typically not known for aggressive interactions with humans. The WDFW’s statement notes that such encounters are rare, with only six documented incidents involving river otters in the state over the past decade. Despite their generally non-aggressive nature, river otters can be territorial and unpredictable.
As the WDFW awaits the test results, the department urges the public to remain cautious around wildlife. Their mission is to balance public safety with the conservation of fish, wildlife, and ecosystems, while also providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.