LINVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) – A beloved river otter in Western North Carolina died this month following post-procedure complications, according to officials.
Nova, a 12-year-old otter who arrived at Grandfather Mountain in 2013 when she was only six months old, died on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Officials stated that her death was due to complications from a suspected blood clot during a dental procedure.
“Nova will be greatly missed by all who knew her,” said Christie Tipton, animal habitats curator for Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “She was a little bright ray of sunshine who was so full of energy.”
About Nova
It is believed that during heavy rainstorms, Nova was flooded out of her den and swept away from her mother. That’s when she got to Grandfather Mountain.
Officials said Nova was then taken to a rehabber in Lincoln County who “gladly” took the role as her adopted mother. There, Nova reportedly learned how to swim, explore, eat, and play.
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Nova was described as very affectionate toward and fascinated by people.
“She loved bounding from one game to the next, her favorites being pushing her toy cups around, swim races with guests and keepers on the other side of the viewing pond, dragging everything into her pond, making big messes for her keepers to clean up, and most of all, playing with Oscar,” said Tipton.
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Nova shared her habitat with Oscar, whom officials said she loved dearly. The two could often be found playing exciting games that habitat staff named water wrestling, extreme otter floating, and otter racing.
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