Current:Home > reviewsWild otter attack leads to woman being airlifted to hospital, 2 others injured -Infinite Edge Learning
Wild otter attack leads to woman being airlifted to hospital, 2 others injured
View
Date:2025-04-17 01:02:29
Three women were injured, with one woman needing to be airlifted to hospital, after an otter attacked them while they floated down a river on inner tubes.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at approximately 8:15 p.m. when the three friends were floating on inner tubes about three miles upstream from the Sappington Bridge in Montana, some 75 miles south of the state capital city of Helena, according to a statement released by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks on Thursday afternoon.
MORE: Father drowns while saving his 3 kids from river
The women say they observed one or two otters while they floated down the river when one of them suddenly approached and attacked, causing the women to flee the water and the otter to swim away, authorities said.
“The women then called 911, and several agencies responded, including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Life Flight and a local landowner,” Montana FWP said.
MORE: 'Horrific' early morning attack by 4 large dogs leaves man in his 70s dead in middle of the road
All three women were injured in the sudden attack and received medical treatment in Bozeman, Montana -- approximately 45 miles east from where the incident took place.
One of the women was injured so seriously that she was airlifted by helicopter for emergency treatment after the animal attack, Montana FWP confirmed.
“While attacks from otters are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances,” authorities said. “They give birth to their young in April and can later be seen with their young in the water during the summer. They may also be protective of food resources, especially when those resources are scarce.”
FWP staff have posted signs at several access sites to the river advising people in the region of otter activity. No further management action is planned at this time, authorities said.
MORE: 3 'heavily decomposed' bodies discovered at remote wilderness campsite
“FWP advises recreationists to keep a wide distance, giving all wildlife plenty of space,” Montana FWP said. “In drought conditions, low water levels can bring recreationists closer to water-dwelling wildlife. Being aware and keeping your distance can help avoid dangerous encounters, reduce stress for wildlife, and promote healthy animal behavior.”
Said Montana FWP in a final warning to the public: “If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away and out of the water, and seek medical attention.”
veryGood! (44122)
Related
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- ‘COP Fatigue’: Experts Warn That Size and Spectacle of Global Climate Summit Is Hindering Progress
- DWTS’ Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten Have the Best Reaction to Fans Hoping for a Romance
- Daniele Rustioni to become Metropolitan Opera’s principal guest conductor
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Old Navy's Early Black Friday Deals Start at $1.97 -- Get Holiday-Ready Sweaters, Skirts, Puffers & More
- Old Navy's Early Black Friday Deals Start at $1.97 -- Get Holiday-Ready Sweaters, Skirts, Puffers & More
- Watch a rescuer’s cat-like reflexes pluck a kitten from mid-air after a scary fall
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- The Office's Kate Flannery Defends John Krasinski's Sexiest Man Alive Win
Ranking
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Black women notch historic Senate wins in an election year defined by potential firsts
- Whoopi Goldberg Shares Very Relatable Reason She's Remained on The View
- Nicky Hilton Shares Her Christmas Plans With Paris, the Secret To Perfect Skin & More Holiday Gift Picks
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- What do nails have to say about your health? Experts answer your FAQs.
- Avril Lavigne’s Ex Mod Sun Is Dating Love Is Blind Star Brittany Wisniewski, Debuts Romance With a Kiss
- The USDA is testing raw milk for the avian flu. Is raw milk safe?
Recommendation
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Biden, Harris participate in Veterans Day ceremony | The Excerpt
To Protect the Ozone Layer and Slow Global Warming, Fertilizers Must Be Deployed More Efficiently, UN Says
Mega Millions winning numbers for November 12 drawing: Jackpot rises to $361 million
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
DWTS’ Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten Have the Best Reaction to Fans Hoping for a Romance
RHOP's Candiace Dillard Bassett Gives Birth, Shares First Photos of Baby Boy
Footage shows Oklahoma officer throwing 70-year-old to the ground after traffic ticket