Nearly Threatened River Otter Recovers After Dog Attack, Released into Wild

A nearly threatened river otter, rescued after a severe attack by domestic dogs, has been released back into the wild in Argentina. The otter arrived at the Güirá Oga Wildlife Rescue Center with grave injuries following the attack. A dedicated veterinary team worked for over a month and a half to heal the wounds inflicted by the dogs.

"The environmental division of the Misiones provincial police carried out a rescue of a river otter that had been attacked by dogs. Inside the rescue center, we worked for a month and a half to heal all the wounds resulting from those bites and attacks by dogs from the city of El Dorado," explained Dante Di Nucci, a veterinarian at Güirá Oga - Fundación Azara.

After completing its recovery, the otter was released in the Urugua-í Provincial Park, an 88,000-hectare protected area in Misiones province. This location provides a suitable natural environment for the species to continue its life.

Experts warn that domestic dogs and cats can pose a significant threat to wildlife when they roam uncontrolled. Beyond attacking or scaring away animals, they can destroy bird nests and transmit diseases like rabies, hydatidosis, and toxocariasis. These actions increase the impact on ecosystems. Maintaining domestic animals under control and within safe spaces is crucial for preventing such incidents, protecting wildlife, and conserving biodiversity.

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The environmental division of the Misiones provincial police carried out a rescue of a river otter that had been attacked by dogs. Inside the rescue center, we worked for a month and a half to heal all the wounds resulting from those bites and attacks by dogs from the city of El Dorado.