'Felt Something Grab Me': Otter Attacks Woman at Lake Tahoe. She Needed 38 Stitches
The Nevada Department of Wildlife said otter attacks are rare, and Bellin needed 38 stitches and rabies shots after the encounter.
- On Sunday, Reno-Tahoe swim instructor Lynette Bellin suffered a violent otter attack while swimming near Hidden Beach in Lake Tahoe, sustaining scratches and bite marks across her body.
- Kenzie Margiott, a spokesperson for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, noted that the local North American river otter population has increased over the last 15 years, making territorial encounters more likely.
- Bellin received 38 stitches and rabies shots after emergency room treatment, with 22 stitches concentrated in her foot from what she described as a five-minute struggle against the animal's teeth and claws.
- Officials from the Nevada Department of Wildlife were unable to capture the animal, prompting them to work with Nevada State Parks to post warning signs alerting visitors to give wildlife space.
- Despite the trauma, Bellin intends to return to the lake but plans to swim at a different location, saying "It is my favorite place, my favorite activity" while urging others to remain mindful of wildlife.
23 Articles
23 Articles
'Felt something grab me': Otter attacks woman at Lake Tahoe. She needed 38 stitches
"I just felt something grab me by my leg and pull me under. And it was so powerful. It felt like it was a human." | A woman was attacked by an otter while swimming at Lake Tahoe, leaving her with injuries that required 38 stitches and rabies shots.
'Felt something grab me': Otter attacks woman at Lake Tahoe; she needed 38 stitches
"I just felt something grab me by my leg and pull me under. And it was so powerful. It felt like it was a human." | A woman was attacked by an otter while swimming at Lake Tahoe, leaving her with injuries that required 38 stitches and rabies shots.
Lake Tahoe swim instructor recounts rare river otter attack, receiving 38 stitches
WARNING: The video may be graphic for some. Lynnette Bellin, a swim instructor who teaches self rescue lessons, said she was on her weekly swim in the lake when the otter encounter occurred. "It was teeth and claws and I was pushing it away," Bellin said, describing what she says went on for about 5 minutes.
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