# River otter attack at Lake Tahoe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/river-otter-attack-at-lake-tahoe
> Updated: 2026-09-12T19:03:37.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Lynnette Bellin, a swimming instructor from Reno, was attacked by a river otter during an open water swim at Lake Tahoe’s East Shore. Bellin reported that the animal pulled her underwater, resulting in a five-minute struggle involving biting and scratching. The encounter caused significant injuries to her face, arms, and legs, requiring 38 stitches.

Following the initial attack, Bellin was readmitted to the hospital due to an infection in her finger. Surgeons performed a procedure to rinse the infection with saline, and she is currently undergoing treatment with IV antibiotics and occupational therapy to regain mobility in her hand. Local authorities and the Nevada Department of Wildlife noted that such otter attacks on humans are extremely rare.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Lake Tahoe swimmer undergoes surgery after otter attack

A Reno swimming instructor underwent surgery after a rare otter attack at Lake Tahoe left her with infections and required 38 stitches.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-tahoe-swimmer-undergoes-surgery-after-otter-attack

### 2026-09-01: Lake Tahoe swimmer injured in rare river otter attack

A Lake Tahoe swim instructor required 38 stitches after a rare and prolonged attack by a river otter during an open water swim.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-tahoe-swimmer-injured-in-rare-river-otter-attack

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Cite as: River otter attack at Lake Tahoe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/river-otter-attack-at-lake-tahoe