Swimmer Describes How She Escaped Otter Attack In Lake Tahoe

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What started as a peaceful morning swim in Lake Tahoe quickly turned into a terrifying fight for survival when swimmer and swim instructor Lynnette Bellin was attacked by a wild river otter.

Bellin was swimming near Hidden Beach on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe on Aug. 30 when she suddenly felt something grab her leg and pull her underwater. At first, she thought another person had grabbed her because of the animal's strength. Then she turned around and realized she was being attacked by an otter.

“It Just Kept Coming”

Bellin said the otter repeatedly lunged at her with its teeth and claws as she tried to fight it off and make her way toward the rocks.

She eventually managed to reach higher ground, but the animal continued following her. Bellin said the encounter felt as though it lasted several minutes, with the otter continuing to circle nearby even after she escaped from the water.

The swim instructor, who has spent more than two decades swimming in Lake Tahoe, said she had never experienced anything like it.

“I thought it was a person,” Bellin said of the initial pull. She later described the animal as relentless as she tried to fend it off.

38 Stitches and Rabies Treatment

Bellin eventually made her way back toward the trail, where first responders were contacted. She was taken to a hospital and treated for numerous bite and scratch wounds.

Doctors gave her 38 stitches, including 22 stitches in her foot, along with rabies treatment. She suffered injuries to her face, arms and legs.

Despite the severity of the encounter, Bellin said her years as a swimmer helped her remain calm in the water. As someone who teaches children swimming and self-rescue skills, she said being comfortable controlling her breathing and staying above water allowed her to focus on getting away from the animal.

Wildlife Officials Say Attacks Are Rare

The Nevada Department of Wildlife said river otters are native to the Lake Tahoe area and surrounding waterways, but attacks involving people are uncommon.

Officials said otters generally avoid humans but can become aggressive if they feel threatened, cornered or are protecting young. The department searched for the animal after Bellin's attack but was unable to locate it.

Wildlife officials are working with Nevada State Parks to alert visitors about the incident. People who encounter an otter are being advised not to approach or interact with it and to give the animal plenty of space.

Bellin Plans to Keep Swimming

The frightening encounter has understandably shaken Bellin, particularly because Lake Tahoe has long been one of her favorite places to swim.

Still, she says she isn't ready to give up the lake.

Bellin said the attack may influence where she chooses to swim in the future, but her love for Lake Tahoe remains. She also hopes her experience reminds others that even experienced swimmers should remain aware that they are sharing the water with wildlife.

For Bellin, the attack was a startling reminder that even a familiar swimming route can change in an instant — and that strong swimming skills can become critically important when the unexpected happens.

Source: Inside Edition