In homes, encounters with unwelcome wildlife are not uncommon. It could be a pesky squirrel in the attic, a skunk under the porch, or a raccoon rummaging through the garbage. However, a recent incident in Richmond, B.C.’s Steveston neighborhood involved an unexpected visitor: a trio of otter pups.
Alex Ritz, the owner of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, received a unique request to locate and relocate the otter pups. This was a rare occurrence for Ritz, as otters are not typically their usual clientele.
The residential property where the otter pups were found is situated near the Steveston wharf, a location frequented by otters searching for food brought in by fishing boats. The homeowners had spotted the otter roaming around the area, carrying nesting material and disappearing behind a shed.
Upon investigation by a wildlife expert, it was confirmed that a family of otters had made their home under the shed. Ritz and his team devised a plan to safely remove the otters. After some digging, they located a nest where the three baby otters were nestled.
Carefully extracting the pups, they placed them in a heated box with a flap door for the mother otter to retrieve them at her convenience. To prevent the otters from returning, the team installed wildlife-proof screening around the shed.
Later that night, the homeowners reported that the mother otter had returned and taken her babies away. While river otters are adorable, they can be messy creatures, often creating disturbances on boats with their food scraps and feces.
Despite the challenges, the presence of otters indicates a healthy environment. It is advised to leave otters undisturbed, especially if they have recently given birth, as relocating them could be harmful. Homeowners are encouraged to secure their properties to prevent future wildlife intrusions.
