Encountering unwanted wildlife on or near your property is a common occurrence for many homeowners. This could range from a pesky squirrel in the attic, a malodorous skunk under the porch, to a raccoon creating a mess with garbage bins. However, a recent incident in Richmond, B.C.’s Steveston neighborhood involved an unexpected guest – a trio of otter pups.
Alex Ritz, the owner of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, had a unique task of locating and relocating these otter pups. Describing it as an unusual call, he mentioned that otters are not a frequent animal they deal with.
The residence was situated near the Steveston wharf, an area where otters are occasionally spotted searching for food, especially when fishing boats bring in fresh catches. Ritz explained that signs of otter presence typically include digging activities.
In this particular case, the homeowners observed an otter moving around the property for several nights, carrying nesting materials and disappearing behind a shed. Upon inspection by a wildlife expert, it was confirmed that a family of otters had taken shelter beneath the shed’s structure.
Ritz visited the site the following day to assess the situation and devise a plan to safely remove the otters. Fortunately, the pups were alone at the time, simplifying the operation.
After some digging, a nest was uncovered beneath the shed, revealing the presence of three baby otters. The team carefully extracted the pups and placed them in a heated box for temporary shelter.
Subsequently, preventive measures were implemented to secure the shed and prevent re-entry by the otter family. Later that day, the homeowners reported that the mother otter had retrieved her pups one by one.
While river otters are adorable creatures, they can be messy and emit a strong odor. Their presence indicates a healthy environment, but caution is advised in dealing with them. It is recommended to avoid disturbing otters, especially if they have recently given birth, as relocating them could have detrimental effects.
As they grow older, homeowners should take steps to seal off entry points to prevent future encounters with otters.
