Chilling new video shows otter stalking family down dock where child was dragged under water in horrific attack

A chilling new video shows an otter stalking a family down a dock before viciously attacking a little boy and dragging him into the water. 

Surveillance footage shows the moment a mother was quickly making her way down the dock with her children in tow before they broke out in a run as an otter chased after them around 9:30am at Bremerton Marina on September 12. 

The otter grabbed hold of one of her children and dragged them underwater, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said, according to KIRO 7. 

The little otter can be seen popping up on the dock just behind the family and scurrying after the family of four. 

Moments later, the otter would attack the mother and one of her children before dragging the child underwater as he cried. The mother bravely fought back to get her child out of the water once they resurfaced. 

But the otter was unrelenting and bit the child in the arm as they were lifted into the air. The otter continued to chase them down the dock until they eventually got away. 

The boy was taken to the hospital to be treated for bites and scratches on his face, head, and legs, according to KIRO 7 and WDFW. 

A spokesperson for WDFW said otters usually leave humans alone unless they are being territorial to protect their pups. It is unclear if this animal had any babies nearby. 

The otter, who was trapped and killed, is now being tested for rabies, according to KIRO 7. 

The WDFW Sergeant, Ken Balazs, said: 'We are grateful the victim only sustained minor injuries, due to the mother's quick actions and child's resiliency. 

'We would also like to thank the Port of Bremerton for their quick coordination and communication to their marina tenants.' 

There have been six documented river otter attacks in Washington during the past decade, according to the WDFW.

River otters are common throughout Washington. Although encounters with river otters are rare, they can be territorial and unpredictable.

This attack comes three months after California beachgoers ran screaming and crying after a protective sea lion charged at them.

Lauren Bertrand was visiting La Jolla Cove in San Diego on June 23 when she captured the footage of the angry sea lion.

Prior to its attack on beachgoers, the marine mammal was swimming around the area with its babies. The sea lion nearly came face to face with one swimmer before it swam away, leaving the humans unhurt.