Title: Otter Attack Leaves Three Women Injured During River Float Trip in Montana
Date: August 4, 2023
Time: 3:00 AM ET
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Three women were injured, with one requiring airlifting to the hospital, after an otter attacked them while they were floating down a river on inner tubes.
Late on Wednesday evening around 8:15 p.m., the incident unfolded approximately three miles upstream from the Sappington Bridge in Montana, roughly 75 miles south of Helena, the state capital. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) released a statement on Thursday afternoon detailing the unfortunate event.
According to authorities, the trio of friends noticed one or two otters as they were leisurely floating along the river. Suddenly, one of the otters approached and launched an attack, prompting the women to hastily exit the water while the otter swam away.
Upon realizing the seriousness of the situation, the women dialed emergency services, leading to a response from multiple agencies, including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Life Flight, along with a local landowner, also contributed to the operation.
All three women sustained injuries during the sudden otter attack. They were provided medical treatment in Bozeman, Montana, located approximately 45 miles east of the incident site. Montana FWP confirmed that one of the victims’ injuries were severe enough to warrant airlifting via helicopter for urgent care.
Authorities emphasized that while otter attacks are rare, otters can demonstrate protective behavior towards themselves and their young, particularly in close proximity. Otters typically give birth to their offspring in April and can often be spotted with their young during the summer. Additionally, otters may also exhibit protective behavior with regards to food supplies, especially during times of scarcity.
In response to the incident, FWP staff have placed signs at various access sites along the river to alert people about otter activity in the region. Presently, no further management actions are planned, as stated by authorities.
FWP advises recreational enthusiasts to maintain a significant distance, allowing wildlife ample space. In times of drought, lower water levels bring individuals closer to aquatic wildlife, increasing the potential for dangerous encounters. Ensuring awareness and keeping a safe distance is crucial to avoiding such incidents, reducing stress for wildlife, and promoting healthy animal behavior.
In a final warning to the public, Montana FWP cautioned, “If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away and out of the water, and seek medical attention.”
Although otter attacks remain infrequent, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for caution and respect when sharing spaces with wildlife.