In a frightening incident at Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County, Washington, a young child narrowly escaped serious harm after being attacked by a river otter. The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, was walking down a dock with their mother on Thursday morning when the incident occurred, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

According to eyewitness reports, the otter unexpectedly lunged at the child, dragging them underwater. The child's quick-thinking mother managed to save her child from further harm by promptly pulling them out of the water. However, the otter continued its aggressive behavior, inflicting scratches and bites on the child's head, face, and legs.

Fortunately, due to the mother's swift actions, the child suffered only minor injuries. They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and are now in the process of recovering.

Following the attack, authorities have taken immediate action to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the marina. Officers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have sought assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services to trap and remove the river otters from the area. The captured otters will be evaluated and tested for rabies at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab.

Although encounters between humans and river otters are rare, incidents like these serve as a reminder that these animals, like any wildlife, can exhibit unpredictable behavior. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stated that there have been only six documented occurrences of such encounters over the past decade.

River otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, as evidenced by a previous incident in Montana where a woman had to be airlifted to a hospital after being attacked in 2023. Additionally, there have been reports of river otters posing a threat to pets, as seen in Florida, where separate incidents in September 2023 resulted in a man and a dog being bitten.

As authorities work to address the situation at Bremerton Marina, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining cautious and vigilant when interacting with wildlife. Residents and visitors are advised to report any sightings or encounters with river otters or other potentially dangerous animals to the local authorities.