As a park ranger, you get used to seeing unusual things in nature, but every now and then something stands out.
That is exactly what happened to Tyler Bank, a ranger in Oregon, who recently experienced a moment he will remember for a long time. While patrolling Cove Palisades State Park, he noticed something unusual along the roadside.
Curled up in a ditch was a large brown shape. At first glance it looked like a clump of fur, but once he moved closer, Bank realized it was something entirely different. Inside the ditch were two small animals desperately hoping someone would help them.
A Surprising Find
To his astonishment, Bank discovered two tiny orphaned otter pups pressed tightly together. He immediately contacted the State Police Wildlife Center, which helped him safely transport the pups to Think Wild Central Oregon, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Once they arrived, the otters received prompt care from the staff.
They were examined by a veterinarian and given treatments to stabilize their condition. The team worked to keep them hydrated and comfortable, but they were also careful not to allow too much human contact.
Because these were wild river otters, too much exposure to people could make it harder for them to survive after release.
For now, the most important thing was keeping the sisters together. They stayed curled up beside each other, finding comfort in their familiar bond.
As the days went on, both pups grew stronger and began showing signs of recovery.
When they were ready, Think Wild arranged for the sisters to be transferred to the Wildlife Center of the North Coast to complete their rehabilitation.
The organization explained the decision on Facebook:
“Our two orphaned river otter patients received a veterinary examination at Think Wild to prepare for their transfer to Wildlife Center of the North Coast. There, they will spend up to 12 more months of rehabilitative care before being released back in Central Oregon.”
The move was exactly what they needed. With long-term professional care, the otters continued to thrive and develop.
Returning To The Wild
After months of rehabilitation, Think Wild finally shared the update everyone had been waiting for. The otter pups had grown healthy and confident, and it was time for them to go home.
Both had learned every skill they needed to survive on their own in the wild.
“WCNC and Think Wild staff determined that the otters had developed appropriate skills and behaviors for life back in the wild, having exhibited swimming proficiency, hunting behaviors, and social interactions,” the organization stated.
To support their transition, the team provided a soft release. They set up a small holt near the water and stocked it with food so the sisters could adjust gradually while exploring their surroundings.
Watching the pups return to the river was a touching moment for everyone involved. They had gone from two helpless babies found curled up in a ditch to confident young otters ready to take on the world.“Now, these two otter pups are back where they belong, exploring their new river home,” the rescue shared.