The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a juvenile northern sea otter to the Wildlife Response Program on the evening of November 16, 2024. The 11 kg male is estimated to be between 6 and 8 months old. The otter was first reported over a month ago with significant facial trauma and head swelling in the Seward small boat harbor.

Community members played a vital role in reporting sightings of the injured otter to the ASLC team. However, due to his activity level and the challenging locations of sightings, immediate intervention was not possible. After several days without sightings, the injured otter was spotted again on November 16, 2024, in an unexpected location—a sheltered outdoor hallway at the Bayside Apartment complex, blocks from the water. A concerned community member promptly contacted the ASLC’s 24-hour stranded marine animal hotline to report the sighting.

Upon closer inspection, the ASLC team confirmed that it was the same otter previously spotted and that his facial trauma was significant. With approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the otter was transported to the ASLC for thorough examination and care.

An initial admit exam revealed extensive trauma to his face, nose, and left eye, as well as a fracture of the nasal bone, pneumonia, and parasitism. While some superficial wounds show signs of healing, an open injury near his eye and on the top of his head remains a concern and may require additional intervention. Because of the extensive trauma to his head and face, he may have suffered a concussion, as well as damage to his sight and hearing. Veterinary staff have begun treatment, including administering antibiotics, while they await further diagnostic results. 

Adult wild otters often struggle to adapt to rehabilitation environments due to stress, but the young otter has shown promising behaviors so far. He is eating well and grooming his coat, which are critical behaviors for his recovery. ASLC staff continue to provide stabilizing treatments and closely monitor his progress.

The ASLC remains committed to giving this otter the best chance of recovery and will provide updates on his journey through their social media pages (@AlaskaSeaLifeCenter). For more information on the Wildlife Response Program and to support the Alaska SeaLife Center’s mission programs, visit alaskasealife.org. 

Call first! Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325). 

The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters like ConocoPhillips Alaska, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, PetZoo, Partners 4 Wildlife, Matson, GCI,  and a number of individual donors, funds, and foundations such as Stanley J Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation, and the NC Giving Fund.