Woman attacked by otter while swimming, gets 38 stitches
Officials say river otters are rare attackers and are urging visitors to keep away after a swimmer needed rabies shots and 38 stitches.
- 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.
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91 Articles
A swimmer was attacked by a river otter on Sunday in Lake Tahoe, United States
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Lake Tahoe river otter attack leaves swimmer bloodied and needing 38 stitches
A Lake Tahoe swimmer was attacked by a river otter Sunday, leaving her with multiple cuts and wounds that required 38 stitches. Lynnette Bellin of Reno, Nev., told The Sacramento Bee in a statement that she was taking a morning…
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