Month: May 2025

Triton Notary

(Update: Adding Video and comments from Think Wild)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Deschutes County sheriff’s deputy rescued a badly injured river otter early Sunday morning after spotting the animal along Highway 97 near Tumalo Place. However, the otter later passed away, despite a wildlife hospital’s intensive efforts to save him, Think Wild Central Oregon said Tuesday.

Here’s an update posted Tuesday morning by Think Wild Central Oregon:

On May 25, a severely injured adult male river otter was found on the side of Highway 97 near Tumalo Place and Deschutes Junction, just north of Bend. The finder initially believed the otter was deceased but noticed slight movement and contacted authorities. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office transported the otter to Think Wild for emergency care.

Upon intake, the otter was unable to stand or walk and neurologically impaired, with significant trauma including head injury, eye damage, a broken tooth, respiratory distress, and dehydration.

Over the following two days, veterinary staff provided intensive treatment including fluids, pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, and supportive care for possible traumatic brain injury (TBI) and internal trauma.

The otter showed mild signs of improvement, including intermittent alertness and the ability to lift his head and respond to stimuli. However, his condition remained critical, with continued neurological deficits, high fever, and elevated blood urea nitrogen levels indicating internal distress.

Despite best efforts and around-the-clock monitoring, the otter’s condition declined, and he passed away Monday night.

While river otters rely on rivers and wetlands, they often travel overland—sometimes miles—to find food or new habitat. The location where this otter was found is near irrigation canals and farmland, several miles from the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek. Habitat fragmentation, human disturbance (especially during holiday weekends) and development often force wildlife to cross roads, putting them at risk of collisions and disorientation.

Sally Compton, Executive Director for Think Wild explained why the otter might have been in the area:“It’s not necessarily surprising that they would be found this far from water, especially during a holiday weekend where you might also see more people recreating in their habitat, enjoying the water and the creek. Maybe the otter could have been spooked or seeking a new shelter or habitat because of all of this human traffic.”

“So it’s not necessarily surprising that they would be found this far from water, especially during a holiday weekend where you might also see more people recreating in their habitat, enjoying the water and the creek. Maybe the otter could have been spooked or seeking a new shelter or habitat because of all of this human traffic.”

This incident highlights the need for wildlife crossings in Central Oregon. Structures like overpasses, culverts, and fencing can greatly reduce road fatalities and help species like otters safely navigate fragmented landscapes.

We are grateful to the finder, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and our veterinary team for doing everything possible to save this otter.

—

Earlier information:

Deputy Ochsner saw the otter around 6:06 a.m. and believed it had been struck by a vehicle, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. The deputy called for assistance, and responding personnel were able to safely crate the otter and transport it to the department’s Rescue Ranch facility.

Staff from Think Wild Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center arrived shortly afterward and took the otter into their care. The otter’s current condition was not immediately available.

The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for the quick response from both deputies and the Think Wild team and said they were hopeful for the otter’s recovery.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville’s annual Memorial Day Parade took place Monday morning to honor service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Flags throughout the town were at half-mast and the flame at City Hall’s ‘Crook County POW and Veterans’ Memorial’ was burning brightly.

All of the streets throughout downtown were lined with American flags to commemorate the occasion, and hundreds of community members turned out to pay their respects. 

Small American flags were handed out to the crowd while vintage cars, tanks, and vehicles decked out in patriotic decor drove by. Loud cheers and clapping increased as veterans in the parade went by, waving to parade-goers.

The parade itself started on Main Street and ended several blocks later at the Memorial Park area of the Ochoco Creek Park. After the parade, the American Legion held a ceremony on the Elm Street Bridge where an all-natural wreath was dropped into the creek to honor veterans who died at sea. 

Following the wreath ceremony at the bridge, many parade participants then made their way to the Juniper Haven Cemetery to honor veterans with a wreath placement. The day of events concluded with a paver-dedication at the Crook County Fairgrounds. 

The city of Prineville’s Memorial Day happenings tend to not only have the most events, but some of the largest turn-outs throughout Central Oregon, showcasing the community’s dedication and appreciation to its service members. 

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Coming off of a historic ski season, hundreds packed Mt. Bachelor on Monday for its last day of the 6-month season, after a weekend filled with celebrations.

Mt. Bachelor kicked off the 2024/2025 season with its earliest opening day in nearly three decades, and was able to continue operations until almost the end of May—bringing in crowds from far and wide.

One rider KTVZ spoke to talked about coming up for the last day of turns: “The sun is out, and this is the second time that we’ve been here on the last day. we camped last night, and we’re getting to ride on the last day with the kids,” Logan, who was snowboarding with his daughter Sierra, said with a smile.  

It was all smiles Monday as the resort held a ‘Last Chairs and Last Cheers’ party.

Mt. Bachelor’s communications manager, Presley Quon, expressed gratitude for the phenomenal season in a written statement to KTVZ News:

“We had a remarkable season, thanks to the energy and dedication of our guests and employees,” said Presley Quon. “Snow in November helped us open earlier than planned and set the stage for six full months of skiing and riding. We’re already counting down the days until next winter, but in the meantime, we can’t wait to welcome guests back to the mountain for summer activities.” 

May 31st marks the last day to secure your 2025/2026 season pass for a discounted rate.

Click here to learn more about upcoming deadlines and summer season activities at the resort.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, ORE. (KTVZ) — Bend’s first observance of Memorial Day began at 7AM, as the Bend Heroes Foundation and volunteers honored Bend’s 112 war dead with a moment of silence and by installing flags bearing veterans’ names at Bend Heroes Memorial in Brooks Park, along Veterans Memorial Bridge,  and downtown Bend.  

Boy Scout Troop 25 had the honor of leading the flag installations, with former Scoutmaster Kelly Reynolds and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Atticus Zmach leading the volunteers. 

Proclamations issued by President Trump and Governor Kotek were read.  

Foundation Chairman Dick Tobiason updated participants on the recently completed Oregon Gold Star Families Memorial Highway across Oregon on the 477 mile US Hwy 30 between Astoria and the Oregon – Idaho border.  That highway honors the families of about 6,000 wartime veterans from Oregon who made the ultimate sacrifice during war from WWI to the present, including Bend’s 112. The Gold Star highway on  US Hwy 30 is the longest highway in Oregon and the 9th  and final veterans highway across Oregon initiated by the Foundation. Photos of Gold Star Family members and highway signs will be shown. 

Tobiason also discussed the National Medal of Honor Highway Act, created by Congress and President Biden last December at his request. That 3,365-mile highway across the USA on US Hwy 20 honors all 3,528 Medal of Honor recipients from all 50 states including 29 recipients connected with Oregon and had its origin in Oregon eight years ago.

The National Medal of Honor Highway is the longest highway in our nation. Tobiason kept his promise to WWII Medal of Honor recipient Bob Maxwell, a director of Bend Heroes Foundation, to honor our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients with the coast-to-coast highway. The original Act signed by Congress and President Biden and a highway map was displayed at 7:00 am. 

Finally, a wreath was placed by Gold Star Families at the granite monument listing the 112 war dead names at Bend Heroes Memorial before 250 flags were installed. 

The Foundation’s Bend Parade of Flags program began 20 years ago, with BSA Troop 25 as the first youth group to be involved. 

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