Alert Bay Residents Save Baby Otter With CPR

A baby otter in Alert Bay, British Columbia, is alive today because a local resident knew CPR and wasn't afraid to use it on wildlife.

On July 28th, 2026, Alert Bay residents heard sounds of distress coming from the 'Namgis Dock. When they investigated, they found three baby otters trapped in a discarded fishing net left on the dock.

The community sprang into action. Working together, residents quickly freed two of the pups, who swam back to their mother waiting anxiously in the water nearby.

The third pup faced a far more serious situation. Netting had wrapped tightly around its neck, cutting off its breathing. After one resident cut away the constricting net, the tiny otter lay unresponsive.

That's when something remarkable happened. The resident began performing CPR on the small animal, just as they would on a human. Moments later, the otter started breathing again.

Alert Bay RCMP arrived and contacted Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society in Merville. Together, they coordinated transport to get the injured pup to professional wildlife rehabilitators.

The Ripple Effect

The rescue sparked an important conversation about wildlife safety in Alert Bay. Police are now reminding residents and visitors to properly secure fishing nets, ropes, and other gear that could endanger animals.

"Cormorant Island is home to many species of wildlife, and we all have a role to play in keeping them safe," said Sergeant David Ribeiro-Pereira of Alert Bay RCMP. Properly storing fishing equipment can prevent unnecessary harm and protect the wildlife that makes the community special.

After several days of medical treatment and rehabilitation, the otter made a full recovery. Wildlife experts then transported it back to Alert Bay, where it was successfully reunited with its family in the wild.

The story shows how everyday people can make extraordinary differences when they act quickly and work together, turning what could have been a tragedy into a celebration of community care and wildlife protection.