CPR Saves Otter Pup Tangled in Net on Cormorant Island

A quick-thinking resident brought a dying otter pup back to life with CPR after finding it trapped in discarded fishing nets on Cormorant Island. The dramatic rescue on July 28 shows what compassion and courage can accomplish in critical moments.

Local residents heard distressed animal sounds near the 'Namgis Dock in Alert Bay and rushed to investigate. They discovered three juvenile otters entangled in sections of fishing net left on the dock, a popular path for local wildlife.

Working carefully, the residents freed two of the young otters. The pups immediately swam to their mother, who had been waiting anxiously in the water nearby.

The third otter wasn't as lucky. Netting had wrapped tightly around its neck, cutting off its air supply and leaving it unconscious.

One resident cut away the net and found the pup unresponsive and not breathing. Without hesitation, they performed CPR on the tiny animal until it started breathing again.

Alert Bay RCMP arrived and contacted wildlife rescue volunteers who worked with Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society in Merville. Together, they arranged emergency transport to a rehabilitation facility.

After several days of medical care, the otter named Nalatu made a complete recovery. Staff cleared the pup for release and brought it back to Alert Bay, where it reunited with its family in the wild.

Sunny's Take

This rescue happened because neighbors paid attention and acted fast. One person's willingness to perform CPR on a wild animal, combined with a network of wildlife volunteers and law enforcement working together, meant the difference between life and death.

The story also highlights a preventable problem. Sgt. David Ribeiro-Pereira of Alert Bay RCMP reminded the community that properly storing fishing gear protects the wildlife that makes Cormorant Island special.

The rescue brought together everyday residents, police, wildlife volunteers, and rehabilitation experts in a chain of care that saved a life. That kind of teamwork shows the best of what communities can do when they look out for the vulnerable creatures sharing their home.

Three otter siblings are swimming together again because people chose to help instead of walk away.