In an alarming incident at the Bremerton Marina, a river otter startled onlookers by pulling a small child off a dock and briefly submerging them underwater before resurfacing. The attack occurred on Thursday morning, as a mother and child were strolling down the dock. The otter then bit the mother on the arm and chased them as they hurriedly fled from the scene.

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, direct encounters between humans and river otters are rare, with only six documented incidents in the past ten years in the state. Nevertheless, the incident has raised concerns about the unpredictable nature of wildlife.

The child, whose age and gender were not disclosed by the authorities, was promptly treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the encounter. These injuries included scratches and bites to the head, face, and legs. While the child is fortunate to have escaped with these relatively minor injuries, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for caution around wild animals.

Prompted by the incident, state officials have taken action and requested the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services program to remove and euthanize any otters present in the Bremerton Marina. In 2023, this federal wildlife-control agency reported killing 73 river otters in Washington state. Any otter carcasses discovered at the marina will be sent for analysis at the state's Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab to test for diseases such as rabies.

However, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has emphasized that trapping or shooting river otters should only be utilized as a last resort. Removing otters can provide a short-term solution, but the presence of attractive habitats can draw in new otters. Other marinas in Kitsap County have already resorted to regular trapping of river otters due to their habit of defecating on docks, damaging equipment, and occasionally nesting inside boats.

Although river otters are not frequently spotted, they are fairly common to many Washington waterways. Known for their formidable swimming abilities and agility on land, they usually feed on small fish ranging from 4 to 6 inches in length. However, they are capable of traveling considerable distances to feast on spawning salmon. Adult male river otters typically measure about 4 feet in length, including their tails, and can weigh up to 30 pounds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services program operates as a low-profile federal agency that controls and eliminates animals to protect crops, livestock, and property. In 2023, Wildlife Services removed 150,000 animals in Washington state, primarily European starlings and Northern pikeminnows, which threaten young salmon and steelhead populations in dammed river systems.

As authorities work towards a solution at the Bremerton Marina, residents are urged to remain cautious and exercise vigilance when interacting with wildlife.