Content Advisory: This story contains photos of a wild sea otter’s injuries that may be sensitive to some viewers. Please proceed with caution.
A young northern sea otter in Seward, Alaska has become the center of a rescue effort that highlights just how hard living in the wild can be. This otter, estimated to be just six to eight months old, was first spotted over a month ago in the small boat harbor, suffering from visible facial injuries and head swelling. How he was first injured will likely remain a mystery, but possibilities include a boat strike or attack from another animal.
Reports from concerned Seward community members brought the otter to the attention of the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) by calling the Center’s 24-hour marine animal stranding hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL (7325). These early sightings were vital in alerting the ASLC Wildlife Response Team, but the otter’s mobility and the challenging environment made immediate assistance impossible. Days turned into weeks without additional sightings, leaving many wondering about the fate of this injured animal.
Then, on November 16, 2024, the story took an unexpected turn. A resident at the Bayside Apartment complex, blocks from the water, found the otter in an outdoor hallway—a puzzling and concerning discovery. The resident promptly contacted ASLC’s 24-hour marine animal hotline, setting in motion the otter’s rescue.
Like with all wildlife response cases, the ASLC called the permitting agency who authorizes our trained team to approach marine mammals in need of help and bring them to the ASLC for veterinary treatment and rehabilitation. The USFWS approves all northern sea otter patients before they are admitted, and this otter with severe facial trauma was clearly in need of help.
Once transported to the ASLC, the full extent of the otter’s injuries became clear. His initial veterinary admit exam revealed extensive trauma to his face, nose, and left eye, as well as a fracture of the nasal bone, pneumonia, parasitism, and a healing fracture in his leg. While some superficial wounds show signs of healing, an open injury near his eye and on the top of his head remains a concern and may require additional intervention. Because of the extensive trauma to his head and face, he may have suffered a concussion, as well as damage to his sight and hearing. Veterinary staff have been providing treatment and care to address the immediate concerns while assessing these long-term health concerns.
For now, caretakers are affectionately referring to the otter as “Phantom.” His nickname not only fits the 2024 wildlife response patient naming theme of peppers with the “phantom pepper,” but also reflects his mysterious disappearance after his initial sightings and the haunting facial trauma he endured.
Wild otters, particularly adults, often find rehabilitation environments stressful and challenging. Yet, Phantom, still an independent juvenile, has shown promising signs of adjusting. He’s eating well and grooming his coat—essential behaviors that support his recovery and overall health. Alongside this progress, the ASLC team has been providing antibiotics and other treatments to stabilize him, while monitoring for potential long-term impacts, such as vision or hearing loss.
Despite his progress so far, Phantom’s journey is far from over. His ability to return to the wild is uncertain, but the team is managing him as a release candidate in hopes that he can be released. Orphaned otter pups admitted as a patient at the ASLC under six months old are considered non-releasable due to their dependence on maternal care and undeveloped survival skills. Phantom, estimated to be over six months old, has demonstrated essential behaviors like foraging and grooming, which are crucial for survival, making him a potential candidate for release.
The team is cautiously hopeful that his injuries won’t compromise his ability to thrive in the wild, but concerns remain.
Phantom’s facial injuries, particularly around his left eye, are significant. His caretakers are collaborating with veterinary specialists, including a veterinary ophthalmologist and veterinary surgeon, to assess the damage.
The structures around the eye are crucial for protecting the eye itself, including the ability to blink, to move the eye in every direction, and to produce tears as an additional protective layer. The extent of damage to these protective functions, crucial for the eye’s long-term health, is currently being assessed. The team is working to determine what tissues, if any, can be repaired or reconstructed.
As Phantom’s story unfolds, the ASLC is committed to sharing updates through their social media platforms, inviting the public to follow his progress. This tale also serves as a powerful reminder of the role community action plays in wildlife conservation. From the initial reports of his injuries to the quick response that led to his rescue, Phantom’s survival has been a shared effort.
The ASLC urges anyone who encounters an injured or stranded marine animal to call their 24-hour hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL (7325). Saving this number in your contacts could make all the difference in a future wildlife emergency.
Phantom’s resilience is inspiring, but his story underscores the ongoing need to protect and support the fragile balance of our shared environment. Each call, each effort, each moment of awareness brings us closer to ensuring a brighter future for creatures like Phantom.
Update January 2025
The wildlife response and veterinary teams have been impressed by Phantom’s healing this past month. After consulting with otter experts and an animal ophthalmologist, it was determined that surgery would not be necessary and that Phantom was ready to be released back into Resurrection Bay.
We’re thrilled to give this patient another chance to thrive in the wild.
*Phantom has been fitted with red and green flipper tags for identification. If you are in the Seward area, please let us know if you spot him!
By Kaiti Grant, ASLC Media
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