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Lynnette Bellin received 22 stitches after a river otter attacked her during a morning swim in Lake Tahoe.

Lynnette Bellin was swimming near Hidden Beach in Incline Village when a river otter attacked her underwater on Sunday, August 30. The otter grabbed Bellin's leg and pulled her beneath the surface, leaving her with cuts on her face, arm, and legs.

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Bellin, a professional swim instructor, described the attack as relentless, noting that the animal used its teeth and claws to bite and scratch her for approximately five minutes. Bellin eventually escaped by pushing the otter away and climbing onto a rocks. She received 22 stitches and a rabies vaccination following the incident. The Nevada Department of Wildlife stated that while otter attacks on humans are uncommon, these animals are native predators that can become aggressive when threatened or defending their young. The department is working with Nevada State Parks to post signs alerting visitors to the reported incident and reminding the public to remain aware of their surroundings.

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