Among the Florida critters out there, river otters are the cutest and most resourceful, but find themselves in life-threatening situations. Thanks to the good folks at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, who rescued three North American river otter kits over the last few days, all approximately three months of age. The three, named Audi, Bentley and Camino, suffered from low blood glucose levels and needed medical attention. According to CMA, each kit weighed 3 to 4 pounds, and they were found without their mothers. Otters may stay with their mothers for up to one year, learning necessary survival skills such as swimming and hunting.
A statement from the aquarium said that Audi and Bentley were found Friday afternoon, March 13, in a Dunedin apartment parking lot, appearing unresponsive. Staff arrived on scene, provided fluids, and brought the kits to CMA for overnight monitoring and care.Camino was discovered Sunday evening, March 15, waterlogged and shivering underneath a bridge in Clearwater. After safely securing him, glucose and other necessary fluids were administered on location. He was then transported to CMA’s Critical Care Facility for overnight monitoring and care, including increasing the kit’s body temperature to normal range.
"Clearwater Marine Aquarium provided round the clock care for all three kits, which included regular feedings and monitoring," said CMA spokesperson Amy Binder. "Upon being stabilized, all three were transported to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Sanibel, Florida. Together, this litter will undergo rehabilitation for 6-9 months prior to release into the wild."
When encountering young river otter kits, CMA advises to not approach or interact with the animal. Often, an otter mother will leave her kit for a period of time to forage. Plus, otters are potential carriers for rabies. If the animal seems distressed, immediately contact Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Emergency Stranding Hotline at 727-441-1790, ext. 234.
