Toddler’s Family to Get $350K After River Otter Attack

A public marina in Washington state will pay $350,000 to resolve a lawsuit filed by a family whose toddler was attacked by a river otter in 2024.

The Port of Bremerton confirmed the settlement, noting that it does not include any admission of wrongdoing. Officials described the payment as a negotiated resolution to claims that were contested and uncertain.

According to the complaint, the incident happened in September 2024 as a mother was walking her five-year-old child to school. During that time, an otter reportedly grabbed her two-year-old daughter from a dock at the Bremerton marina and dragged her into the water beneath the structure. The child, who had some swimming ability, was able to break free while her mother—who was also carrying a nine-month-old infant—fought off the animal and pulled her back onto the dock. The otter allegedly continued to pursue them as they tried to escape.

Both the mother and child suffered bites and scratches and later received rabies vaccinations. The lawsuit also claimed the young girl has experienced ongoing effects, including nightmares and increased aggression, following the attack.

The family, who had been living aboard a sailboat at the marina, argued that port authorities had failed to act on prior concerns about aggressive otters. They also alleged the marina collected security fees without maintaining working surveillance cameras.

Port officials stated they notify state wildlife authorities whenever there are reported encounters between animals and people. After the incident, the otter involved was captured and euthanized, according to reports.

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