Three women were injured, with one woman needing to be airlifted to the hospital, after an otter attacked them while they were floating down a river on inner tubes. The incident took place on Wednesday evening at around 8:15 p.m. in Montana, approximately three miles upstream from the Sappington Bridge.
According to a statement released by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) on Thursday afternoon, the women reported seeing one or two otters while they were floating down the river. Suddenly, one of the otters approached and attacked them, causing the women to quickly flee the water. The otter then swam away.
The women immediately called 911, and multiple agencies responded to the scene, including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana FWP. All three women sustained injuries during the attack and were transported to Bozeman, Montana, for medical treatment. One of the women was seriously injured and had to be airlifted by helicopter for emergency treatment.
Authorities emphasized that while otter attacks are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances. Otters give birth to their young in April and can often be seen with their offspring in the water during the summer. They may also become protective of food resources, particularly when those resources are scarce.
In response to the incident, FWP staff have posted signs at various access sites along the river to alert people about otter activity in the area. However, no further management action is planned at this time.
FWP advises individuals engaging in recreational activities to maintain a wide distance from wildlife, allowing them plenty of space. In drought conditions, low water levels can bring people closer to water-dwelling wildlife, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters. Being aware of one’s surroundings and keeping a safe distance can help prevent such incidents, reduce stress for wildlife, and promote healthy animal behavior.
In a final warning to the public, Montana FWP stated that if anyone is attacked by an otter, they should fight back, get out of the water, and seek immediate medical attention.
What precautions can individuals take to prevent otter attacks while engaging in recreational activities in wildlife areas?
Article Rewrite:
Terrifying Otter Attack Leaves Three Women Injured, One Airlifted to Hospital
In a shocking incident on Wednesday evening, three women were viciously attacked by an otter while floating down a river on inner tubes in Montana. One of the women’s injuries were so severe that she had to be airlifted to the hospital for immediate treatment. The attack occurred around 8:15 p.m., approximately three miles upstream from the Sappington Bridge.
According to a statement released by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) on Thursday afternoon, the women had spotted one or two otters while enjoying their river adventure. Out of nowhere, one of the otters approached them and launched an attack, forcing the terrified women to hastily flee the water. The otter, after its assault, swam away.
The distressed women promptly called 911, leading to the prompt arrival of multiple agencies, including the Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana FWP. All three women sustained injuries and were transported to Bozeman, Montana, for medical attention. The injuries were particularly severe in one woman’s case, necessitating her airlift by helicopter for urgent treatment.
Authorities were quick to stress that while otter attacks are rare, otters can display defensive behavior, especially when they feel their young or themselves are threatened at close proximity. Otters give birth to their young in April and are often seen with their offspring in the water during the summer. They may also defend their food resources, especially when they are scarce.
In response to this alarming incident, FWP officials have displayed warning signs at various access points along the river to inform people about otter activity in the area. However, no further action is planned for managing the situation at this time.
FWP advises individuals engaging in recreational activities to maintain a significant distance from wildlife, granting them ample space. In drought conditions, low water levels tend to bring people closer to aquatic wildlife, heightening the risk of dangerous encounters. Being mindful of one’s surroundings and keeping a safe distance can help prevent such incidents, reduce stress for wildlife, and encourage healthy animal behavior.
Furthermore, Montana FWP issued a crucial public warning, stating that if anyone is attacked by an otter, they must fight back, exit the water swiftly, and seek immediate medical attention. It is essential to take these precautions seriously to avoid any further incidents and ensure personal safety.
