Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A Lake Tahoe swimmer says she was attacked by an otter while swimming near Hidden Beach on the Nevada side of the lake. Lynette Bellen, a swim instructor for infants and toddlers, says the animal grabbed her leg, pulled her underwater and repeatedly attacked her before she escaped to shore. Bellen needed 38 stitches for injuries to her legs, feet, hands and arms, along with seven rabies shots, a tetanus shot and antibiotics. The Nevada Department of Wildlife says otter attacks are extremely rare and that animals may attack when stressed, cornered or protecting their babies. Officials attempted to find the aggressive otter but were unsuccessful. Bellen says the experience reinforced the importance of water safety and being competent in the water.
#LakeTahoe #OtterAttack #LakeTahoeNews
A Lake Tahoe swimmer says she was attacked by an otter while swimming near Hidden Beach on the Nevada side of the lake. Lynette Bellen, a swim instructor for infants and toddlers, says the animal grabbed her leg, pulled her underwater and repeatedly attacked her before she escaped to shore. Bellen needed 38 stitches for injuries to her legs, feet, hands and arms, along with seven rabies shots, a tetanus shot and antibiotics. The Nevada Department of Wildlife says otter attacks are extremely rare and that animals may attack when stressed, cornered or protecting their babies. Officials attempted to find the aggressive otter but were unsuccessful. Bellen says the experience reinforced the importance of water safety and being competent in the water.
#LakeTahoe #OtterAttack #LakeTahoeNews
