A family of river otters seemed playful when observed Oct. 8 frolicking in Taku Lake, along C Street just north of Dimond Blvd, as seen in the video below.
But two days later, an Anchorage couple walking their dog were shocked when the otters attacked their dog as he fetched a tennis ball in the water.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game posted a sign next to the lake the next day, warning of the incident so people will keep their dogs out of danger. The dog that was attacked needed medical care, but survived after her owner jumped in the water to save her and fend off the attacking otters.
Fish and Game spokesman Rick Green said it is unclear if it’s a family of otters, with adults protecting the young, or a gang of juvenile otters. River otters are smaller than sea otters, and are members of the weasel family. They generally feast on fish and small mammals. But there are instances of river otters ganging up on dogs.
