According to Gresham Police, the bronze viper “Slider” was stolen from Nadaka Nature Park

Slider the bronze viper was stolen from Nadaka Nature Park in Gresham. May 8, 2024 (courtesy Gresham Police Department).

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A “beloved” bronze otter was stolen from Nadaka Park in Gresham, police said. Authorities are now asking the public for help in the search.

“Slider” the otter and his bronze raven friend were created by artist Rip Caswell and his son Chad. They were brought to the park in 2017. While the raven searches for its friend on a wooden post, the otter is now missing, having disappeared sometime in the last two weeks, authorities said.

According to the Gresham Police Department, the two-foot-tall otter was first discovered missing on May 3 by David Bauman, a member of Gresham Outdoor Public Art. The group raises money to purchase art suitable for outdoor use and then donates it to public spaces in the city of Gresham. GOPA previously donated bronze sculptures for display in front of the Gresham Police Department and historic downtown Gresham.

“The sad thing is that the neighborhood really came together to name the otter “Slider” and the raven “Seeker.” The community will miss Slider and GOPA members would like to see him back,” said Judy Hahn, GOPA board chair. “We hope someone just wanted to put it in their yard.”

So far, Hahn has contacted local metal recyclers to see if any of them might have seen the statue. She said they would be careful not to take any stolen metal. However, there is still no clue as to Slider’s whereabouts.

If anyone has information about where the bronze viper may be, they are asked to contact Gresham police.