Otter attacks dog
Gillian Riddell
Westerly News
Thursday, May 08, 2008
CREDIT: Photo G. Riddell
Nina Waltl wants to warn other dog owners about the aggressive otter on Tonquin Beach in Tofino. Her dog Bunn, was walking along Tonquin Beach Monday May 5 when she was attacked by an otter. The veterinary clinic in Port Alberni had to perform surgery to put in a drain to clear the fluid accumulating from numerous deep puncture wounds on her chest.
When Nina Waltl takes her dogs Bunn and Chicho for their morning walk along Tonquin Beach in Tofino, she keeps an eye out for local wildlife, aware of her proximity to the wilderness and wild creatures that may also be out for a stroll.
That's why she was wary Monday morning of a river otter she had seen a few times recently around the creek on the far side of the beach but never thought it could pose a serious harm to herself or her dogs.
The tide was low and Bunn had wandered ahead to the creek and into the shallow water when Waltl spotted the otter's head pop out of the creek.
Moments later, without warning, the otter began attacking the four and a half year old Staffordshire terrier.
She could see the otter splashing in the water but even as she yelled and her dog struggled to get away, the otter still didn't back off.
Only when she managed to get Bunn back onto the sand did she notice how seriously the gentle terrier had been hurt, her chest was bloody and had numerous punctures.
"Everybody knows about cougars, wolves and bears," said Waltl. "No one would ever think an otter could be so dangerous."
As she rushed up the beach toward a group of people, the otter still didn't back off and kept following Waltl and the dogs.
Injured Bunn was rushed to the veterinarian in Port Alberni where she underwent surgery for her wounds.
"The vet said to watch her breathing. The punctures were so deep they were worried about her lungs," said Waltl of Bunn's injuries.
Fortunately, Bunn had just had her shots the week before including a vaccination for rabies.
After returning home with a large vet bill and painkillers for Bunn, Waltl checked on the internet and determined that it was a river otter that had attacked her pet.
River otters have a sleeker appearance than sea otters, have long tails about a third of their size, and frequent beaches in search of food such as clams and crabs. They are also known for being territorial.
"Tonquin has been closed for awhile," said Waltl. "So maybe it just got used to this being his territory."
"Never ever before have I ever heard of something like this happening," said Sally Mole, director of Parks and Recreation for the District of Tofino who has been with the district for 15 years.
Mole added that Tonquin Beach is currently closed but they have started a beach signage program to warn visitors to the district's beaches of potential hazards, including wildlife.
"So if it were deemed necessary, we would include it," said Mole about adding "river otter" to the list of hazards on Tonquin Beach.
© Westerly News 2008
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