PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A settlement has been reached in a legal battle involving a Washington child who was attacked by a river otter.
The Port of Bremerton will dole out $350,000 to the family of the toddler who was attacked in summer 2024, the port’s CEO Jim Rothlin told KOIN 6. Rothlin said both parties have agreed neither was at fault in the incident.
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“The settlement agreement explicitly states that it is ‘a compromise of disputed and uncertain claims,’” Rothlin added. “This was a very unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family — it is difficult to imagine what they experienced. We encourage everyone visiting the marina, or any area where people and wildlife coexist, to remain aware of their surroundings, as wildlife behavior can be unpredictable when being approached.”
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, officers responded to a report of the river otter attack around 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2024. Officials said the victim’s mother claimed the animal had snatched her child into the water as they walked along the dock of the Bremerton marina…