Inevitably, most people will encounter unwelcome wildlife around their homes, such as a squirrel in the attic, a skunk under the porch, or a raccoon rummaging through garbage. However, a recent unusual incident in Richmond, B.C.’s Steveston neighborhood involved a visit from three otter pups.
Alex Ritz, the owner of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, was called to relocate the otter pups, a rare task for his team. The sighting occurred near the Steveston wharf, where otters occasionally search for food brought in by fishing boats.
Upon inspection, signs of otter activity were evident, with the animals seen running around the property and disappearing behind a shed. A subsequent investigation confirmed a family of otters residing under the shed’s structure.
Ritz and his team devised a plan to safely remove the otters. After some effort, they located the pups hidden inside a nest under the shed. The team carefully extracted the young otters and placed them in a secure, heated box for their mother to retrieve.
Following the successful removal, preventative measures were implemented to prevent the otters from re-entering the shed. Later, the homeowners reported that the mother otter had returned to relocate her pups.
While river otters are adorable, they can create messes, particularly on boats, where they may scavenge for food. Their distinctive musky odor helps mark their territory and is often noticeable before visual sightings. Nonetheless, otters’ presence signifies a healthy environment.
Experts advise leaving otters undisturbed if found on private property, especially if they have recently given birth. Properly sealing entry points can prevent future wildlife disturbances. This incident highlights the importance of coexisting with wildlife in their natural habitats.
For a detailed account of the otter family’s removal, a related audio clip is available for listening.