It's not uncommon for opposing forces to battle over a piece of territory. Whether it's for location, superior position, better hunting grounds, or just to be able to stand on it and call it your own, history is filled with turf wars.
A lawsuit naming the Port of Bremerton in a negligence suit may need to expand the term to better fit the situation. Given that the antagonist was an otter and the attack took place on a dock at a marina, it's really more of a "surf and turf" war.
Travyn Schiffner filed a negligence lawsuit against the Port of Bremerton in late July 2025. The suit stems from a September 2024 attack on the Marina's E-Dock that involved her then two-year-old child being attacked and dragged into the water by a river otter. Schiffner, who resides on a live-aboard boat in the marina near Puget Sound, managed to rescue her child and flee the area.
The case will explore how much control humans are expected to have over wild animals in their natural habitat that behave like, well, wild animals in their natural habitat. The lawsuit claims that the river otters had graduated from nuisances to threats and that the Port of Bremerton, while aware of the escalating situation, had done nothing to prevent it.
Looked Like a Fun-Sized Snack to Me
Otter attacks on humans are rare but not unknown, with six on record in the state of Washington over the past ten years. The North American river otter is the usual culprit, with most instances attributed to the creatures being threatened or provoked.
On September 12, 2024, Schiffner and her toddler were walking on the E-Dock of the Marina of the Port of Bremerton after leaving their live-aboard boat. According to the lawsuit, a river otter emerged from the water and attacked the pair, biting and scratching both of them before pulling the child into the water. When the toddler resurfaced, Schiffner was able to pull it back on the dock, suffering a bite on her arm from the otter in the process.
The two then fled, allegedly being pursued by the otter. Both suffered minor bite and scratch wounds, but were able to escape. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) responded and called the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services, which began trapping otters in the marina. One found near the attack area later tested negative for rabies.
Hey, My Family Was Here First
In her lawsuit, Schiffner alleges that other tenants and staff had lodged complaints with the Port of Bremerton concerning the otters and their aggressive behavior. The otters were accused of damaging personal property, squatting in abandoned boats, and defecating pretty much everywhere. River otter feces often carry powerful and unpleasant aromas.
Schiffner charges that the Port was aware of the threat the otters presented to the marina, but neither had them removed nor warned residents of the danger. Claiming that her child is still experiencing nightmares, the suit asserts that the Port of Bremerton is guilty of gross negligence and responsible for medical expenses, emotional distress, and ongoing pain and suffering. It seeks unspecified damages and legal fees.
Given that the docks are actively used by boats and residents, denying the otters access would have been difficult, if not impossible. The USDA Wildlife Services' response, entailing "lethal removal" of troublesome river otters, also raises important ecological concerns.
Related Resources
- What Is a Pain and Suffering Multiplier? (FindLaw's Accidents and Injuries Legal Guide)
- Tenant Safety and Landlord Liability (FindLaw's Landlord-Tenant Law)
- Gross Negligence and Lack of Informed Consent (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
