Young otter thrives after being rescued in Florida

ORANGE PARK, Fla. – A bewildered and frightened baby otter that took refuge in a Florida woman’s garage is thriving.

The Florida Times-Union reported Friday that Daisy had taken refuge in the garage of the Orange Park woman who called Clay County Animal Service for help.

Clay Humane veterinarian Kali Gennette says Daisy might not have survived if she hadn’t been found. Daisy was dehydrated and undernourished. She also had a tiny cut to an ear and superficial scratches on her paws.

But Daisy perked up after being given fluids and diluted formula at the clinic and was transferred to the Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida. Daisy will be vaccinated as a precaution.

Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation due to encroaching development are pushing otters and other Florida wildlife into conflict with people.

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Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com