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BEND Ore. (KPTV) - Two orphaned river otter pups are being rehabilitated by Think Wild after a park ranger found them alone and needing medical care.

The two pups are the first otters to get care from Think Wild since the wildlife hospital’s opening in 2020.

On Wednesday, June 26, Oregon State Park Ranger Tyler Banks called the Think Wild hotline to report three river otter pups in a ditch in the road. The three otters were lethargic and one died shortly after being found.

The two living pups were taken to Think Wild. Staff discovered the two otters were female infant otter pups that were moderately dehydrated. They had dirt in their eyes and noses, and seeds stuck in their fur.

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The pups were estimated to be 5-6 weeks old.

“River otters are highly intelligent and can easily become habituated to humans if proper precautions are not taken,” Pauline Hice, Think Wild Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation said. “Animals that become comfortable around humans cannot safely or humanely be returned to the wild, so we are taking extreme measures to ensure the otter pups do not associate humans or their scent with food or safety. Only senior rehabilitation staff treat and feed the patients and wear camouflage suits, boots, and masks.”

Infant river otters, orphaned and rescued in central Oregon(Think Wild Central Oregon)

Once the pups are stabilized they will make the journey to Astoria, where they’ll be rehabilitated at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. When they’re ready, they’ll be released back into central Oregon.

To support Think Wild or donate, view their website here.