A young otter in Alert Bay has recovered after becoming tangled in a fishing net.
Alert Bay RCMP said residents heard animals in distress at the ’Namgis dock on July 28 and found three young otters tangled in a fishing net that had been left on the dock.
“The residents acted quickly and carefully, successfully freeing two of the otter pups. The young otters immediately returned to the water and reunited with their mother, who had been waiting nearby,” reads an RCMP news release. “Unfortunately, the third pup was found in critical condition, with netting tightly wrapped around its neck and restricting its breathing.”
One of the residents cut the net away and found the pup was not breathing. The person performed CPR on the animal and restored its breathing, according to police.
“The Alert Bay RCMP would like to recognize the quick thinking, teamwork and dedication of the local residents whose actions helped save the young otter’s life. Their response is an outstanding example of how community members can make a meaningful difference when they take action to protect local wildlife,” RCMP said.
Police attended the scene and worked with the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society to arrange transportation for the otter to a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
“Cormorant Island is home to many species of wildlife and we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. This incident serves as an important reminder that properly securing and storing fishing gear can help prevent unnecessary harm to animals and protect the wildlife that makes our community so special”, said Sergeant David Ribeiro-Pereira, detachment commander of the Alert Bay RCMP detachment.
Police said the otter made a full recovery and was returned to Alert Bay several days later.
