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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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106 Articles
106 Articles
The Oregonian+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Lake Tahoe swimmer needs 38 stitches after attack by animal you’d never expect
A swimmer suffered multiple injuries after she was attacked by an animal.
·Portland, United States
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A swimmer was attacked by a river otter on Sunday in Lake Tahoe, United States
·Montreal, Canada
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Total News Sources106
Leaning Left19Leaning Right7Center66Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
L 21%
C 72%
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