‘It Felt Like They Wanted To Kill Me’: California Man Recounts Vicious Otter Attack

A California man attacked by otters stated it was “essentially the most terrifying expertise” of his life.

The encounter occurred in September at Serene Lakes in Placer County, simply northwest of Lake Tahoe. Matt Leffers, who has gone swimming there for 30 years, left his household cabin for a dip.

The lake grew to become something however serene, nevertheless, when two otters “popped up” and tore into him.

“I felt one thing chew my calf,” Leffers instructed KCRA 3 on Thursday. “Inside seconds, I used to be bit once more. After which I began swimming quick however there was the otter, popped up proper in entrance of me after which I used to be bit once more.”

Leffers, who stated he was bitten a minimum of a dozen occasions by the carnivorous mammals, was reportedly rescued through paddleboat by his spouse. She instantly transported Leffers to an area hospital, the place docs found round 40 puncture wounds on his physique.

“These items had been so aggressive that, actually, I felt like they needed to kill me,” Leffers, who described the second as a life-and-death state of affairs, instructed the outlet. “It’s by far essentially the most terrifying expertise I’ve ever had in my life. Nothing even comes shut.”

California Division of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Peter Tira instructed KCRA that a minimum of one different individual was attacked by otters within the state this 12 months.

Tira stated native searching grounds may clarify the prevalence of otter assaults, and instructed KCRA that they’re “very quick” and “unimaginable swimmers” with “numerous sharp enamel.” Whereas they often keep away from people or bigger animals, Tira stated “they are going to defend their territory.”

In August, “Succession” actor Crystal Finn, who was swimming within the Feather River in August — lower than two hours away from Serene Lakes — was hospitalized for quite a few chew wounds on her legs and buttocks.

Whereas there have reportedly solely been round 60 documented otter assaults worldwide since 1875, they are often extreme. One lady tubing down the Jefferson River in Montana, as an example, was airlifted to a hospital this summer time with slashes to her face and arms.

River otters can reportedly measure 47 inches and weigh as much as 20 kilos, posing severe danger to swimmers attempting to maintain afloat. Morgan Jacobson of Montana Fish and Wildlife instructed the Related Press that the company’s “really helpful response” is to “combat again, get away and get out of the water.”