A mother and child were walking along a marina pier in Washington state Thursday morning when an otter dragged the young child into the water, wildlife officials said.
As the mother struggled to pull her baby from the water at Bremerton Marina, the otter continued its attack, biting the mother on the arm, and the otter chased the couple when they left the pier, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said in a news release.
The child suffered scratches and bites to his head, face and legs and was treated in hospital.
Three women injured in otter attack on Montana river, requiring airlift
Officials say otter attacks are rare in Washington state. (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
“We are pleased that the victim only suffered minor injuries due to the mother's quick actions and the child's resilience,” said WDFW Sergeant Ken Balazs. “We also want to thank the Port of Bremerton for their quick coordination and communication with the marina occupants.”
The otter was then captured by USDA Wildlife Services and euthanized, and its body will be tested for rabies at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
California swimmer claims aggressive river otters bit him 12 times: 'They tried to kill me'
River otters are commonly found across the state and live in freshwater, brackish or saltwater habitats, according to WDFW.
The agency said encounters with otters are rare, but that they can be very territorial and will defend food sources, especially if they are scarce.
The attack occurred in the Port of Bremerton, Washington. (Port of Bremerton)
The department said there have been six recorded incidents between otters and humans in the state in the past 10 years.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Last year, three Montana women were attacked by an otter while tubing on the Jefferson River, with one of them seriously injured and transported by helicopter.
Last year, California made headlines when a sea otter known as “841” snatched a surfer's surfboard off the coast of Santa Cruz.
Fox News Digital's Julia Musto contributed to this report.
