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Woman attacked by otter while swimming says 'it felt like a human'
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • nation
Key Points:
- A swimmer, Lynnette Bellin, was attacked by a river otter while swimming in Lake Tahoe, resulting in multiple injuries requiring dozens of stitches, including 22 on her foot.
- Bellin described the attack as lasting about five minutes, with the otter pulling her underwater and using teeth and claws, before she escaped by climbing onto a rock and walking to safety.
- Authorities noted that otter attacks are rare, but the Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed river otters are native to the area and can become aggressive if threatened or defending young.
- The Nevada Department of Wildlife and Nevada State Parks plan to post warning signs to alert visitors about the incident and advise giving wildlife ample space.
- Despite her injuries, Bellin expressed her intention to return to swimming in Lake Tahoe once healed, emphasizing the lake's importance as a place of mental calm for her.
