Recently, a mother river otter and one of her pups was struck by a car while crossing the road. The mother unfortunately lost her life from injuries sustained after being hit by the car. Her month old pup was miraculously uninjured. The member of the public who watched the incident, safely contained the otter pup and brought it to Wild ARC for care. As a result of the accident that took her mother’s life, the pup arrived at Wild ARC extremely dehydrated and quiet.
Since arriving at Wild ARC this pup has been kept in a quiet space and given specialized meals, which have resulted in her health improving and have made her feel and act more like a normal otter pup. When our rehab staff work with the otter, they must wear personal protective gear from head to toe, to prevent the otter from imprinting.
Staff will continue administering regular fluid therapy until the otter stabilizes and starts self-feeding. At only a month old, this otter is far too young to be out in the wild orphaned and without a mother. It is usual for young otters to be with their mothers for at least a year before they are mature enough to survive on their own. Our staff will continue working hard to help this young otter develop the skills she needs to thrive on her own in the wild, until she is ready to be released back into the wild. She will require specialized care including a diet that mimics her mother’s milk and foods that she would find in the wild, as well as natural enrichment items and access to a pool to help her learn and develop necessary skills such as how to climb and swim.
This story is a reminder for all of us to, please slow down for wildlife when we are driving, as many wild animals are injured or killed from being hit by motor vehicles. This otter will be with us until the Spring and the cost of her care will be great. If you would like to partner with us financially to care for this otter we would truly appreciate your support. Thank you for making the work we do possible.
Personal updates for the Baby Otter will be provided to anyone who donates to the campaign.