Wild ARC caring for rescued baby otter after its mother was killed by a car

Wild ARC caring for rescued baby otter after its mother was killed by a car
BC SPCA
An orphaned baby otter is being cared for at the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Metchosin after its mother was struck and killed by a car.

An orphaned baby otter is now in the care of the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre, also known as Wild ARC, after its mother was struck and killed by a car.

According to a June 17 post on the BC SPCA’s website, a mother river otter and her pup were struck by a car while crossing an unnamed road.

The mother was killed instantly, BC SPCA said, but the month-old pup was dazed and eventually rescued by an eye-witness, who brought the animal to Wild ARC in Metchosin.

“On arrival, the otter was dehydrated and quiet, which is not surprising given the traumatic incident she’d just been through,” Andrea Wallace, a BC SPCA manager of wild animal welfare, said in the post.

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After some “specialized meals and quiet space,” the orphaned baby otter began showing signs of recovery.

“She is now starting to brighten up and behave like a normal young otter including growling and being wary of staff when they enter her enclosure. Our staff are covered head to toe in personal protective equipment to prevent imprinting and we’re glad it’s working,” added Wallace.

Otters normally spend the first year of their life living with their mom until they are mature enough to be living on their own, according to the BC SPCA.

Since the orphaned pup is only a month-old and too young to be on its own, the BC SPCA says Wild ARC staff will care and raise the animal as best as they can until it is ready to be released into the wild.

“This young otter will need to be in care until next spring,” Wallace said. “Until then she will receive specialized care including a diet that mimics her mother’s milk and then foods she would find in the wild, as well as natural enrichment items and access to a pool to help her learn and develop necessary skills such as how to climb and swim.”

The BC SPCA is reminding motorists to be aware of wildlife and slow down. They’re also raising money to help care for the otter. Donations can be made at https://spca.bc.ca/news/orphaned-baby-otter-rescued/.

ALSO READ: Brown pelican rehabilitated at Wild ARC earlier this year dies from another injury

Nicholas PescodNicholas Pescod

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