Young river otter found near bus stop

By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

A river otter was among the 41 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week.

An officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was dispatched after children reported a young river otter at their bus stop. There was no adult otter in sight and the otter pup was unconcerned with the children nearby.

The officer was able to capture, contain and transport the otter to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital; the pup was given a full exam when admitted. Although a bit thin, overall the youngster was in good condition and was alert and active.

Hospital staff settled the orphaned otter pup in a secluded enclosure in the ICU area and offered electrolytes and an easily digested diet of simple protein and milk replacement formula. The otter immediately consumed the diet and promptly fell asleep. Currently, there is a second otter pup rehabilitating at the hospital. The two pups will be raised together once both have been cleared of injuries and internal parasites. Otters are very social and do well when they grow up with a conspecific.

The situation with the otter was handled perfectly. The children at the bus stop kept their distance and called for help when they saw the orphaned otter. The FWC officer used leather gloves to capture the pup. No one involved had any risk of being bitten or scratched.

Any situation involving rabies vector species (otters, raccoons, bats, skunks, bobcats) can be concerning. Knowing everyone was safe meant the young otter did not have to be euthanized and tested for rabies which is what happens if a person handles a rabies vector species barehanded.

Please, if you see a sick, injured or orphaned animal, contact the wildlife hospital immediately before taking action. Hospital staff will provide information that will keep you safe while ensuring the animal receives the help it needs.

Recent Releases

Five eastern cottontails, a striped mud turtle, two gopher tortoises, a great egret, two burrowing owls, a peninsula cooter, an eastern screech owl, two grey squirrels, and three raccoons 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. Volunteers help in many different capacities and are vital to the success of our work.

One area we are in constant need of volunteers is the evening shift. The shift runs from 5pm to 9pm; if you think you could dedicate one evening a week to help in the hospital, contact our volunteer office and get involved. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships truly help us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.