A Washington family has reached a $350,000 settlement with the Port of Bremerton after their toddler was attacked by a river otter at a marina in September 2024.
The mother and child had to undergo several rabies shots, according to the lawsuit obtained by the Kitsap Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network. The suit also said the attack traumatized other children who witnessed it, which continued to give them nightmares.
The initial lawsuit said the otters were known to be a nuisance at the marina, and had been reported more than a year earlier by multiple parties. The port, in a response to the claims, disputed that aggressive otters had been reported or were known to be present. The port also denied claims that its security systems were insufficient to monitor the marina docks.
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The lawsuit accused the Port of Bremerton of gross negligence and breach of contract for its failure to ensure safety at the marina. The settlement agreement dismisses the lawsuit and claims, and is not an admission of fault by the Port, and was signed by the plaintiff in March.
Port CEO Jim Rothlin told local outlet KOIN 6 both sides agreed neither party was at fault in the incident. Rothlin described the agreement as a compromise over disputed claims and called the attack a tragic accident.
“This was a very unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family,” Rothlin told the outlet, adding that visitors in areas shared with wildlife should remain alert because animal behavior can be unpredictable.
According to the settlement, 40% of the $350,000 would go to attorneys and other costs, and the payment to the family placed in a trust. The settlement is paid by the Port's insurance company.
What happened at the marina?
According to previous statements from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, officers received a report around 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2024, involving a human-river otter encounter at Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County.
Officials said the child’s mother reported that a river otter pulled the young child into the water while they were walking along a dock. The child was dragged underwater and resurfaced moments later. The mother then lifted the toddler out of the water while the otter continued attacking and bit her arm.
Wildlife officials said the animal pursued the family as they left the dock. The child suffered scratches and bites to the head, face and legs and was treated at a hospital in Silverdale.
“We are grateful the victim only sustained minor injuries, due to the mother’s quick actions and child’s resiliency,” WDFW Sgt. Ken Balazs said in a statement.
Otter tested negative for rabies
State wildlife officers contacted U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to trap and remove otters from the marina. One river otter was captured at the scene and tested negative for rabies at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
WDFW said river otters are common across Washington and can live in freshwater, brackish or saltwater habitats. While human encounters are rare, officials warned otters can be territorial and unpredictable.
The agency said there have been six documented human-river otter incidents in Washington over the last decade.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family gets $350k settlement after an otter attacked a toddler
