Pregnant river otter arrives in critical condition
By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
A river otter was among the 63 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week.
The river otter was seen on the golf course at Naples Lakes Country Club obviously in distress. Staff at Naples Lakes Country Club managed to contain the otter in a ventilated cardboard box (which they placed inside a second cardboard box for added safety) and transported her to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for care.
The otter was in serious condition when she arrived with the cause of injury unknown. The otter was aware and responsive but not active. She was in good body condition with no obvious wounds. She had full function of all four legs but was not attempting to walk or stand. The otter appeared to have suffered a full-body trauma. While the vet was performing a physical exam she palpated the otter’s abdomen and suspected the otter was a pregnant female. A radiograph confirmed the otter was carrying four fetuses.
The otter’s condition was critical. Our staff veterinarian monitored the otter closely all day to ensure appropriate medications and treatment were being provided. She was able to alter treatment as needed as the otter’s condition changed. Sadly, late in the evening, the otter went into cardiac arrest and passed away.
This situation was heartbreaking for staff and for the people involved from Naples Lakes Country Club. While we hoped for a different outcome for this mother otter, we are incredibly grateful that the staff at Naples Lakes took the time out of their regular busy day to rescue her and get her to our facility so she could receive professional medical care.
Please, if you find an animal in distress, do what you can to help the animal. While it can seem daunting to try and help a wild animal, and human safety must always be the top priority, many situations are easily handled because the animal is in a weakened state from being injured or sick. Call the Conservancy at 239–262-CARE if you have questions; hospital staff can provide information that will help you be prepared if you do see a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal.
Recent Releases
Three eastern cottontails, a gopher tortoise, a Florida snapping turtle, a red-shouldered hawk, a red-eyed vireo and a painted bunting were released this past week.
Opportunities to Help
Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Hospital staff are incredibly busy providing medical treatment and care to our patients. If you feel like you could donate your time, either in the hospital working with staff, or as a critter courier helping rescue and transport injured and orphaned animals to our facility, then fill out a volunteer application and get involved. You’ll be glad you did. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
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