Three women in southern Montana were injured after a rare river otter attack. The women were attacked while floating on inner tubes, one needed to be airlifted to a hospital for her injuries. The attack happened on a remote portion of the Jefferson River near the town of Cardwell. The area is known for being popular with anglers and recreational floaters.
Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks confirms that at least one otter approached the women around 8:15pm on August 2nd. The women were able to make it to shore and call 911 for assistance. All three women sustained injuries to their arms. One woman’s injuries to her arms and face were so severe, a helicopter was called to fly her to the hospital. One woman claims to have seen two otters, but is unsure of how many attacked.
Officials are baffled by the attack as it is extremely out of character for local otters. This kind of attack would be expected from larger wildlife, but definitely not from otters. Most otters can weigh up to 20lbs., much like a small dog, and are up to 47 inches long. When attacking Otters rely on their teeth and claws to bite and scratch. Jacobsen recommends fighting back and getting to safety quickly, if one is ever attacked by an otter. Warning signs have been posted around the area of attack and at access points to the Jefferson River.
Since Wednesday there have been no otter sightings. Officials believe this attack was defensive, so there will be no effort to capture and relocate the otter. This is not the first we’ve heard of an aggressive otter this summer. During July, an otter off the coast of Santa Cruz was aggressively stealing surfboards. That otter is still at large as she keeps avoiding capture.
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