Oddly Ferocious Otter Attacks Kayakers On Braden River

MANATEE COUNTY – Their hilarious antics make them a favorite exhibit at zoos. But there was nothing funny about the otter that jumped into a kayak on the Braden River Sunday and began scratching and biting 77-year-old Sue Spector.

Attacks by river otters on four people Saturday and Sunday have prompted the Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission to post a warning sign at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton, where Spector’s kayak trip originated. FWC officers are also passing out warning fliers at boat ramps along the river.

In addition to the two reported otter attacks, the FWC received a report over the weekend of an otter acting aggressively and chasing boats on the river.

Although otters can carry rabies, the Florida Health Department said none of the boaters who were attacked over the weekend tested positively for the disease. Nevertheless, as a precaution, Spector is undergoing rabies treatments. Her injuries also required stitches.

Spector, along with her husband Marty were looking forward to a leisurely kayak trip on the river. Joining them was seven other kayakers and a guide.

Marty Spector, 78, said he was in a kayak ahead of his wife when he heard her screaming. He turned around to find that an otter had jumped on her back and was clawing and biting Sue Spector’s arms, nose and ear.

Marty Spector tried to beat the otter off his wife with a paddle but flipped his kayak in the process.

Marsha Wilke, the Manatee conservation chairwoman for the Sierra Club, was leading the kayaking trip and jumped in the water to help the struggling couple. The otter, which also scratched another kayaker, eventually let go and Wilke was able to pull the Spectors out of the frigid waters.

Wilke, who is a frequent boater on the river, recalls telling the kayakers on her tour to keep an eye out for various native wildlife including the playful river otter.

She said it never occurred to her that the critters might present a danger. Otters, she said, are normally skittish and avoid contact with humans.

The attack on Spector occurred one day after another kayaker was taken to the hospital after an otter attacked two people about two miles from where Spector was attacked.

FWC spokeswoman Melody Kilborn said FWC staff spent the past three days searching the river for the errant otter but has yet to spot it. She added that there have been no sightings of the otter by other pleasure boaters on the river.

“The FWC takes public safety very seriously and FWC law enforcement are on scene actively searching for the aggressive otter,” she said. “Staff are also working closely with the Manatee County Department of Health to provide information to the public.”

However, the elusive otter may already be dead. Kilborn said the FWC received reports from people who saw an otter tangling with an alligator.

“Reports from witnesses indicate the river otter came into contact with an alligator after these attacks and appeared to have sustained injuries,” she said. “It is not known if the otter survived the incident with the alligator.”

The FWC said otters aren’t usually a threat to people and attacks are fairly rare.

However, the cute, whiskered cousin of the weasel has been known to undergo a personality change.

In 2010, a 90-year-old man in Venice was mauled by a rabid otter. That same year, an otter attacked two people and a dog in Boca Raton.

In the past year, the FWC has received no other reports of otters attacking people.

Wildlife experts say the North America river otters that live in Florida’s rivers, lakes, estuaries and swamps prefer mussels, fish, salamanders and crayfish to human flesh.

Nevertheless, an otter intent on attacking a person is capable of doing some damage. An adult otter can weight up to 30 pounds and has a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a forceful bite that allows it to crush shells to access the sea creatures inside.

When river otters do approach a boat or swimmer, it’s usually because they are near-sighted and can’t see the boat or swimmer until they’re a few feet away.

However, in light of the weekend attacks, the FWC is urging residents to take care if they see an otter and to keep their pets away from the creatures. Anyone who sees an otter acting aggressively should contact the FWC at (888) 404-3922.

Those who are bitten or scratched by an otter should seek medical help immediately and contact the Florida Department of Health at (941) 748-0747.

Image of otter via Shutterstock

Image of Sue Spector via Youtube

Sue Spector had lacerations on her nose, ear and arm from the otter attack.