BREMERTON, Wash. — The mother of a young child who was dragged into the water and injured by a river otter at the Bremerton Marina last year has filed a lawsuit against the Port of Bremerton, alleging gross negligence for failing to address what she calls a well-known otter infestation on the docks.
The lawsuit, filed in Kitsap County Superior Court by Travyn Schiffner, claims that port officials ignored repeated warnings about aggressive otters and failed to implement safety measures, ultimately leading to the attack on her then-2-year-old daughter in September 2024.
The Otter Attack
According to the lawsuit, Schiffner and her daughter — who live on a sailboat docked at the marina — were walking down the dock when a river otter suddenly emerged and dragged the toddler into the water. The animal bit and scratched the child’s head, face, and legs before the mother managed to pull her back out of the water. The otter reportedly continued to pursue them as they fled the scene.
Both mother and daughter later required rabies vaccinations due to the attack. The complaint does not mention whether the mother sustained physical injuries herself.
Prior Warnings Ignored, Lawsuit Claims
The lawsuit alleges the Port of Bremerton failed to take action despite multiple warnings from marina tenants about the otter problem. An email from a marina tenant to port management in 2023, included in the complaint, described the docks as “otter-infested and foul,” citing the presence of fish remains and feces creating both a slip hazard and hygiene issue.
Former marina operations supervisor James Weaver acknowledged in a 2023 email that “otters are a known problem” and stated he had “brought this up with the Port multiple times,” the complaint says.
Despite these warnings, the lawsuit contends that the Port took no meaningful steps to:
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Warn the public about the otters
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Restrict access to affected dock areas
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Remove or deter the animals
Schiffner also alleges that there had been “numerous incidents of otters attacking people” before her daughter’s encounter, although the complaint does not cite specific examples.
Legal Action and Damages
Schiffner is seeking damages for:
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Medical expenses
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Emotional distress
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Attorney’s fees
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Other related costs
She did not request a specific dollar amount or outline any specific corrective action she wants the Port to take.
The lawsuit was first reported by the Kitsap Sun.
Port Officials Decline to Comment
As of publication, Port of Bremerton CEO Jim Rothlin could not be reached for comment. The Port has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit or the allegations contained within the complaint.
Background on Otter Incidents
According to state officials, there have been six documented incidents involving aggressive river otters and humans in Washington over the past 10 years. While typically shy, otters can become territorial — particularly if they feel threatened or if people get too close to their dens or young.
This case is among the most serious recent reports, particularly given the victim’s young age and the sustained nature of the attack.
Ongoing Concern for Marina Safety
The incident raises broader concerns about wildlife management and public safety at waterfront recreational spaces. Schiffner’s lawsuit underscores how human-wildlife encounters, even with typically non-aggressive animals like otters, can escalate when appropriate safeguards are not in place.
With the lawsuit moving forward, the case may set a precedent for how public agencies address known wildlife threats on their property — especially when residents and visitors have previously raised red flags.
As Schiffner put it in her filing, “The Port was negligent in allowing dangerous conditions to exist on its property, including the presence of a territorial wild animal known to attack.”
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