An otter pulled a kid into the water while they were out for a walk with their mom.

A terrifying incident unfolded at Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County, Washington when a river otter suddenly turned hostile and attacked a mother and her young child. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the attack occurred shortly before 9:30 AM on Thursday morning and was quickly categorized as a "human-otter incident" by responding authorities.

The mother, who had called for help, recounted how the otter had dragged her child underwater and proceeded to viciously attack her when she intervened. Miraculously, the child resurfaced and the mother was able to lift them out of the water, but not before sustaining a serious bite on her arm. The otter, however, continued to pursue the family even as they fled the dock.

Thanks to the quick actions of the mother and the child's resilience, the injuries sustained were only minor. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of bites and scratches on their head, face, and legs. WDFW Sergeant Ken Balazs expressed gratitude for the mother's bravery and also thanked the Port of Bremerton for their prompt response and communication with marina tenants.

In the aftermath of the attack, the US Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services was called in to trap the rogue otter, which was then taken to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab for further evaluation. This is just one of six documented river otter attacks on humans in the state over the past decade, highlighting the rarity of such encounters.

River otters, also known as Lontra canadensis, are a common sight in the Evergreen State, inhabiting a variety of freshwater, saltwater, and brackish habitats. While they spend most of their time in the water, they are capable of being on land for extended periods. However, as with any wild animal, their behavior can be unpredictable and they can become territorial.

Despite the dangers posed by these creatures, WDFW reassured the public that encounters with river otters are rare and urged people to exercise caution and respect when encountering wildlife. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of our surroundings and being prepared for unexpected encounters with wild animals.

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