A dog was reportedly euthanized after being bitten and held underwater by a group of otters at Island View Beach
Dog owners are being warned to be on the alert for aggressive river otters on a Victoria-area beach who some locals believe are"targeting" canines.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said a man ran into the water to help the dog, but when he also showed signs of distress, her husband went in after them. Weeks later, on the evening of Aug. 11, James Younger and his dog Lou, described as a white Labrador retriever, were confronted by five aggressive river otters at the same beach, who approached them by “stealth”.
“They came about 15 to 20 feet from me, which is not very far, and they were big,” he said. “They were like three, four-feet long. And so after about a minute, they scarpered back off into the water, and I never saw them again for the night.” Younger added that he believes the otters are targeting dogs, specifically those that resemble golden retrievers, which he says is a learned behaviour from previous generations of the same otter family.
"At this time of year, wild animals are having babies, and people and dogs may be perceived as a threat, so wild moms and dads may be extra protective," said Andrea Wallace, BC SPCA's manager of wild animal welfare."Keeping your distance and keeping dogs on a leash is the best way to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto flags high E. coli levels at Centre Island BeachThe city is advising caution at one of its beaches due to high E. coli levels in the water.
Read more »
Ontario road trips: make a visit to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater islandA crown jewel of the Great Lakes and proudly boasting as the largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Island is a must-see this summer.
Read more »
High bacteria levels spark swimming warnings at three more beachesAdvisories were issued for Mount Douglas Park beach, the south end of Willows Beach and Esquimalt Gorge Park’s Kinsmen Beach
Read more »
Dog owner wards off 'stealth attack' by otters“They got within a few feet and I started swinging a seven-foot log and yelling to keep them away.”
Read more »
Dog owner wards off 'stealth attack' by otters“They got within a few feet and I started swinging a seven-foot log and yelling to keep them away.”
Read more »
Red flag flying at an east end Ottawa beach for a 7th straight dayThe red flag is flying at the Petrie Island East Bay beach for a seventh consecutive day, as the beach remains closed due to high levels of E.coli bacteria.
Read more »