Otter attacks three women tubing in Jefferson River Montana

A woman had to be airlifted to a hospital following an otter attack on three tubers in a Montana river, wildlife officials reported.

The rare attack took place at about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, while three women floated in the Jefferson River on inner tubes, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a news release.

“This thing was vicious and relentless,” one woman said, according to a GoFundMe. “It bit my face in several places, both of my ears, my arms, my hands, my legs, my thighs, and my ankle.”

The women got out of the water and called 911 for help, officials said. All three were injured, and one was taken by helicopter to a hospital.

“While attacks from otters are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances,” the agency said. “They give birth to their young in April and can later be seen with their young in the water during the summer.”

Otters also can be protective of food sources when supplies are scarce, officials said.

The agency has posted signs warning of otter activity. No further action is planned.

“If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away and out of the water, and seek medical attention,” officials advised.