BREMERTON, Washington. – A young child was dragged into the water by a river otter while walking on the dock at the Bremerton Marina in Kitsap County Thursday morning.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reported that officials were notified of the incident around 9:30 a.m. on September 12 after the victim’s mother called for help. She told officials that the otter had dragged the child underwater. The child managed to resurface and the mother rescued the child from the water, but the otter continued to attack and bite her. When the family retreated, the otter pursued them.

The child suffered bites and scratches on his head, face and legs and was subsequently treated at a hospital in Silverdale.

WDFW Sergeant Ken Balazs praised the mother for her quick response and the child’s resilience.

“We are grateful that the victim suffered only minor injuries,” Balazs said. He also thanked the Port of Bremerton for its quick coordination and communication with the marina’s customers.

Following the attack, WDFW enlisted the assistance of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services to capture and humanely euthanize the river otters from the marina. They were then examined at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab and tested for possible rabies infection.

River otters, native to Washington, inhabit various bodies of water and are known for their aquatic lifestyle. They are known as furbearers, a term for wild species that can be legally captured. Although encounters between river otters and humans are rare, six incidents have been reported in the state in the past decade. The animals can defend their territory and display unpredictable behavior.

The WDFW is committed to public safety and responsible stewardship of the state’s wildlife population.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE

Green River Killer Gary Ridgway taken to King County Jail

How much does it really cost to visit the WA State Fair? We found out

“Belltown Hellcat” spotted on tow truck in Kent: Reddit

The weekend closures of the Ballard Bridge begin on Friday. What you should know

Seattle market sees increase in real estate listings and higher prices

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.