Otters released back into the wild

LEESBURG (FOX 13) - 6 otters rehabbed in Odessa made their way back to their permanent homes early Sunday morning.

The 6 otters came in as pups and have been weaned from bottles and taught to hunt by the Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife.

Officials with the sanctuary say they have seen a large number of North American River Otter pups needing rehabilitation in the past few months. While there isn’t a definitive reason, Kris Porter with the sanctuary says they might have an idea.

“While the cause of so many otters becoming orphans is unknown, we suspect it could be related to the drought and fires we have been having in the area.”