Late Friday afternoon, May 4, James City County Dispatch received a report of an aggressive river otter at Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road. James City County Police and Parks & Recreation’s Park Ranger responded to the scene, and spoke to several people in the paddle launch area who stated that a river otter had bitten a child on the arm while the child was in the river. Two other patrons in the launch area, an adult and a child, reported being bitten on the leg and arm, respectively. The parties advised that they did not want the Fire Department called, and would transport themselves to the emergency room for treatment. A fourth person also reported being bitten, but had left the scene and reported the incident later in the day. Despite attempts to stop or capture the animal, the otter made its way down the beach populated by other park visitors and then back into the water. Staff remained onsite, but the animal did not reappear. No other incidents have been reported at this time.
Signs have been posted throughout Jamestown Beach Event Park and
media alerts have been posted to warn visitors of the possibility of otter
presence and potential safety concerns. Visitors should exercise caution while
visiting the park and are asked to call 911 if they see the animal. Anyone
who may have been in contact with the animal is encouraged to contact their
physician or be seen at the emergency room, and to also notify the James City
County Health Department at 757-253-4813.