ISR Reno Tahoe

ISR Reno Tahoe

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Lynnette Bellin, Certified Infant Swimming Resource Instructor

Photos from ISR Reno Tahoe's post 09/07/2026

People keep asking me the exact location of my otter attack, as I know you want to avoid the area. I have been learning a lot about river otters, and have been doing some math in my head.

I’m thinking there is a family of otters (maybe 5) living on the East Shore near Memorial Point, which is between Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor.

A North American River Otter’s territory is anywhere from 2-15 square miles, but can be up to 30 square miles.

Do with that information what you wish. I originally thought maybe Sand Harbor would be safe for swimming, but this math has me questioning if that is true.

I still think the odds of getting attacked are very low. 15 million people visit Lake Tahoe each year. Let’s say half of those people actually get in the water…. So that’s 7 million to 2 odds of getting attacked in Lake Tahoe each year (there was another attack at Pope Beach in South Lake Tahoe in early August 2026).

I guess I won the l-otter-y. Not a prize I wanted TBH.

09/07/2026

People have been asking me for the exact location of my otter attack in Lake Tahoe. Here it is - but I’ve since learned otter territory can be up to 30 square miles.

May the odds ever be in your favor!

09/06/2026

Just a little update from the hospital! One week ago today I was attacked by an otter in Lake Tahoe. At the time, I thought I just needed a quick trip to Urgent Care. Two Emergency Room visits later, I have now been in the hospital three days. I’m sure hoping to be released soon, but keeping myself active and positive as long as I have to be here!

09/03/2026

I just talked to a man that was attacked by an otter in South Lake Tahoe just weeks before my attack. I thought I was the only one! But talking to him and hearing the details of his attack has me shook.

I thought mine was a one off attack that was like getting struck by lightning. I thought I could go back to swimming in Lake Tahoe, but would choose more populated areas off popular beaches, and not along the rocks where they could have their dens. But he was at Pope Beach - a popular beach with people and boats!

He also mentioned his ER doc said a 12 year old girl was attacked in South Lake last year while paddle boarding.

Pair this with the fact that I just learned otter territory is 35 square miles, and it has me questioning - what area in Tahoe is truly safe?! I don’t mean to fear monger, but also feel responsibility to share!

09/02/2026

My nurse in the Emergency Room reminded me of this scene from Zootopia, and I just can’t help but laugh! Maybe it was Manchas that I encountered in Lake Tahoe!

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