A swimmer at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, was bitten by a river otter, resulting in her needing hospital treatment, 38 stitches, and rabies shots, according to local media reports. Lynnette Bellin from Reno was attacked while swimming near Hidden Beach on Sunday.
Bellin described feeling something powerful grab her leg and pull her under, stating the otter continued to attack her with teeth and claws. She eventually managed to get out of the water onto rocks and reach a hiking trail, where first responders took her to hospital.
Wildlife officials advise maintaining distance from wild animals, especially in late summer when otters may be defending their young. A spokesperson for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Kenzie Margiott, noted that such incidents are rare.
However, this is the second reported otter attack at Lake Tahoe in a month. Earlier in August, a man was attacked by an otter near Pope Beach on the California side of the lake, also requiring hospital treatment for eight bite wounds.