Officials: ‘Rare’ Attack Injures 3 Women Tubing Left by Otter

According to state wildlife officials, an otter attacked three women who were tubing along a river in southern Montana, resulting in injuries. The attack is considered rare. 

The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday while the women were floating on inner tubes on the Jefferson River. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported that one to two otters were spotted by the women before the attack. 

Unexpectedly, an otter approached and initiated the attack, the government agency stated.

“Upon the women’s exit from the water, the otter swam away,” disclosed the wildlife department.

The women immediately contacted 911 upon reaching the shore, leading to the prompt response of several agencies, including the local sheriff’s office. 

The women received medical attention in Bozeman, Montana, while one of them, who sustained more severe injuries, was airlifted to a nearby hospital via helicopter. 

Jefferson County Undersheriff James Everett expressed his surprise at the uncommon occurrence, stating, “Bears do it, moose too and occasionally a deer, but otters? That’s not normal,” in an interview with the Associated Press. 

Everett informed the news outlet that the hospitalized woman suffered wounds on her face and arms. 

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has placed signs at various fishing access locations in the area to notify visitors of “otter activity.”

The agency advised, “While otter attacks are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances.” Furthermore, they stated that otters “may also be protective of food resources, especially when those resources are scarce.”

The wildlife department concluded, “If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away from the water, and seek medical attention.”