Community effort helps save injured otter in Alert Bay

August 11, 2026 - Alert Bay, British Columbia
From: Alert Bay RCMP

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On July 28, 2026, the Alert Bay RCMP was notified of an injured otter at the ’Namgis Dock in Alert Bay.

Earlier that day, local residents heard sounds of animals in distress and went to investigate. Upon arrival, they discovered three juvenile otters entangled in sections of a fishing net that had been left on the dock, an area frequently travelled by local wildlife.

The residents acted quickly and carefully, successfully freeing two of the otter pups. The young otters immediately returned to the water and reunited with their mother, who had been waiting nearby. Unfortunately, the third pup was found in critical condition, with netting tightly wrapped around its neck and restricting its breathing.

A resident immediately cut away the net and discovered the otter was unresponsive and not breathing. Demonstrating remarkable composure and compassion, the resident performed CPR on the animal and successfully restored its breathing.

RCMP attended the scene and contacted local wildlife rescue volunteer and valued community partner for assistance, who in turn consulted with the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) in Merville and coordinated the safe transport of the injured otter to a wildlife rehabilitation facility for further treatment and care.

The Alert Bay RCMP would like to recognize the quick thinking, teamwork, and dedication of the local residents whose actions helped save the young otter's life. Their response is an outstanding example of how community members can make a meaningful difference when they take action to protect local wildlife.

Cormorant Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and residents and visitors are reminded to properly secure and store fishing nets, ropes, and other fishing equipment. Improperly stored gear can pose serious risks to animals that share our community.

"Cormorant Island is home to many species of wildlife, and we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. This incident serves as an important reminder that properly securing and storing fishing gear can help prevent unnecessary harm to animals and protect the wildlife that makes our community so special", said Sergent David Ribeiro-Pereira, detachment commander of the Alert Bay RCMP detachment.

The Alert Bay RCMP extends its appreciation to everyone involved in this successful rescue and for their continued commitment to caring for our local environment.

Following medical treatment and rehabilitation, the otter made a full recovery several days layer. Once cleared for release, the otter was transported back to Alert Bay, where it was successfully reunited with its family in the wild.

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