The Alaska SeaLife Center on Nov. 16 admitted to their Wildlife Response Program a juvenile northern sea otter with “significant” facial trauma. The male otter, estimated to be between 6 and 8 months old, was initially reported to the SeaLife Center over a month ago, according to a Nov. 23 press release.

The center credits Seward community members for their “vital” role in reporting sightings of the juvenile — however, immediate intervention was not possible due to the otter’s activity level and the “challenging locations of sightings,” the release states.

The otter was spotted again on Nov. 16 in a sheltered outdoor hallway at Seward’s Bayside Apartment complex, “blocks from the water,” by a community member who then contacted the center’s stranded marine animal hotline to report the sighting. The SeaLife team was able to confirm that this was the same otter previously spotted and that his facial trauma remained significant.

After receiving approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to transport the otter to center for care, an initial audit exam revealed “extensive trauma” to the otter’s face, nose and left eye, as well as a fracture of the nasal bone, pneumonia and parasitism. The release notes that while some superficial wounds show signs of healing, open injuries near the otter’s eye and on the top of his head remain a concern and may require additional intervention.

Veterinary staff believe that, because of the extensive trauma to his head and face, the otter may have suffered a concussion as well as damage to his sight and hearing. They have begun treatment, including administering antibiotics, while awaiting further diagnostic results.

The SeaLife Center also notes, however, that while adult wild otters often struggle to adapt to rehabilitation environments due to stress, this juvenile otter has shown “promising behaviors” so far.

“He is eating well and grooming his coat, which are critical behaviors for his recovery,” the release states. “ASLC staff continue to provide stabilizing treatments and closely monitor his progress.”

Updates on the juvenile otter’s condition are available through the center’s social media pages, @AlaskaSeaLifeCenter.

A juvenile northern sea otter was rescued by the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Team on Nov. 16, 2024, in Seward, Alaska. (Photo by Kaiti Grant/courtesy Alaska SeaLife Center)