Inevitably, most people will encounter unwelcome critters in or around their homes, whether it’s a pesky squirrel in the attic, a pungent skunk under the porch, or a ravenous raccoon rummaging through garbage cans. However, a recent unusual incident in Richmond, B.C.’s Steveston neighborhood involved a trio of unexpected visitors – otter pups.
Alex Ritz, the proprietor of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, faced a unique challenge when tasked with locating and relocating these adorable otter pups. He described it as a one-of-a-kind experience, noting that encounters with otters are rare for their team.
The residence where the otter pups were discovered is situated near the Steveston wharf, a location frequented by otters in search of food brought in by fishing boats. Typically, signs of digging would indicate an otter’s presence, but in this case, the homeowners had observed the otter scurrying 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 up residence beneath the shed. Ritz and his team embarked on a mission to safely retrieve the pups. After locating the nest, which was concealed deep under the shed, they carefully extracted the three baby otters and placed them in a warm box with access for the mother otter.
Following the successful removal, preventive measures were implemented to ensure the otter family couldn’t return. Later that night, the homeowners reported that the mother otter had retrieved her pups one by one.
While river otters are charming creatures, they can also be messy and emit a strong, musky odor to mark their territory. Despite these challenges, their presence indicates a healthy environment. Experts advise against disturbing otters, especially if they have recently given birth, as removing them can be harmful. Instead, homeowners are encouraged to secure their properties to prevent future encounters with otters.
Ultimately, the heartwarming saga of the otter family being safely relocated highlights the importance of coexisting harmoniously with wildlife in shared habitats.