Swimmer Recounts Terrifying Otter Attack at California Beauty Spot
A swimmer in Northern California has spoken out about his terrifying encounter with otters that left him with dozens of puncture wounds. Matt Leffers was swimming at Serene Lakes in Placer County, about 90 miles northeast of Sacramento, when he was attacked by the aggressive animals on September 3.
Leffers, who has been swimming in the lake for 30 years, said he had never experienced anything like this before. He recalled feeling a bite on his calf and within seconds, another bite followed. The otters continued to attack him, and Leffers said he feared for his life. “These things were so aggressive that, literally, I felt like they wanted to kill me,” he said. The swimmer’s wife had to rescue him on a paddleboat and rush him to the hospital.
The attack is not an isolated incident. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that an otter attack occurred at Serene Lakes in July. This prompted Leffers to call for greater action. He believes it is a major concern that he is the second person to be attacked at the lake during the summer.
Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, acknowledged that otter attacks on humans are rare but stressed that the species, known for their sharp teeth and swimming abilities, will defend their territory if they feel threatened. Tira mentioned other attacks on dogs in the Redding area, further highlighting the need for caution around otters.
One theory suggests that the otters may be attracted to the lake’s high fish population, which emboldens them. A letter obtained by KCRA 3 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to the Serene Lakes community revealed that biologists believe the abundance of fish in the lake is a likely cause for otter presence and behavior.
However, Leffers criticized the department’s response, referring to it as “wimpy.” He is calling for swift action to mitigate the situation before a fatal incident occurs. The letter mentioned that state wildlife officials are working to confirm the number of otters at Serene Lakes and will develop a strategy accordingly.
Otter attacks are not limited to this incident. In September, a rabid otter attacked a man and a dog in Florida. Three women were injured in Montana in August when an otter attacked them as they floated on a river. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported an aggressive sea otter near Santa Cruz in July, with plans to capture and relocate the animal.
NBC News has reached out to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for comment on this incident. This serves as a reminder for swimmers and visitors to be cautious when encountering wildlife and to report any concerning behavior to authorities promptly.