In a shocking incident that unfolded on the serene waters of Montana’s Jefferson River, three women faced a terrifying otter attack that left them battered, bewildered, but ultimately alive to tell the tale.
The river adventure, intended to celebrate a birthday, turned into a fight for survival against an unexpected wild animal: a vicious otter.
“I saw one otter right behind my friend before it attacked. I didn’t even have a chance to get the words “there is an otter behind you” out of me before it attacked her,” Jen Royce said in a Facebook post.
Contrary to speculation and online rumors, Royce and her two friends were not engaging in any risky behavior or trying to interact with the wildlife. They were peacefully floating down the middle of the river, far from the shores, when the attack occurred. The unsuspecting victims were caught off-guard by the otter’s swift attack, leaving them with no time to react.
Story Of The Otter Attacking The Women
The attack only lasted approximately five minutes and left many injuries on the victims. The women endured bites and lacerations to various parts of their bodies, including faces, arms, legs, and hands. The victims were trapped in the water, unable to find solid ground to defend themselves, making the threat of the aggressive creature even worse. Jen Royce suffered the worst of the injuries.
“This thing was vicious and relentless. It bit my face in several places, both of my ears, by arms, my hands, my legs, my thighs, and my ankle. My friends were bit on the hands and on their bottoms. One friend’s thumb was SHREDDED and she has bite marks all over her body as well,” Royce recalled.“Without ANY exaggeration, God’s honest truth, I did not think I was going to make it out of that river.”
Amidst the chaos, the victims’ will to survive was fueled by the thought of their loved ones waiting for them on the other side. Their determination to reunite with their families and the grace of an unknown helping hand eventually brought hope during the ordeal. The arrival of emergency responders, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Life Flight, marked the turning point in the nightmarish ordeal.
The women were airlifted to the hospital and went through several surgeries and received extensive medical attention. Friends, strangers, and local agencies rallied around the victims, offering support, meals, and well-wishes that eased their journey to recovery.
Royce said, “This thing was vicious and relentless. It bit my face in several places, both of my ears, by arms, my hands, my legs, my thighs, and my ankle. My friends were bit on the hands and on their bottoms. One friend’s thumb was SHREDDED and she has bite marks all over her body as well.”
As the victims recount their tale, a strong feeling of gratitude runs through the tone of their words. They express their heartfelt appreciation for those who have shown kindness in their darkest hours and have set up a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of their medical bills.
Read Jen Royce’s detailed story of the terrifying incident HERE. Warning: Contains graphic photos!
Watch Inside Edition Video Coverage Of The Incident Below