Kat is 18 years old and recently she emailed us her story; a story about when a so-called 'nice' animal turned very, very nasty...
Kat's Story
It was a warm afternoon, but also a sad one. My best friend's grandpa had just passed away that day and we were trying to do something that would take our minds off the pain. My friend, Jenny, and her sister, Alice, thought it would be fun to swim down the river.
I've always been fairly afraid of water, so I made them compromise: I had to wear a life jacket and we had to take an inflatable raft, just in case I wanted to get above the water. They agreed and before long we were halfway down the river, splashing, laughing and just generally having fun. I'd forgotten all about my fear.
On the raft
When we got near the 'Leaning Tree', we all climbed onto the raft and tried to balance ourselves. Suddenly, I thought I saw something in the water. I could sense something was wrong.
“I saw something in the water”
I looked over my shoulder and, as I did, I tipped the floatie and Jessica fell off. She went under for a second and, when she came back up, she was screaming that something had bitten her. I thought she was lying, but then her sister suddenly screamed and said something had bitten her hand, too!
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Panic
By this time we were all really panicking. I have a severe phobia of sharks and I couldn't help but think that there was one in the water.
We quickly started to swim to land and then I was bitten as well! It felt like something punched me very hard in the ankle; it really hurt.
We got out of the water and ran up the hill as fast as we could. When we were at a safe distance, we turned around to look at the river.
That's when the otter poked his head out of the water. That's when the otter poked his head out of the water. We completely panicked and ran away, all the while crying hysterically.
Disillusioned
We got to the house and cleaned our wounds and such. They weren't severe but I still have a little scar.
After this experience, all I can say is: I don't think otters are the friendly animals that people make them out to be =]
SLINK SAYS: Remember, otters are a protected species and are probably much more afraid of you than you are of them. Probably. However, as Kat's story proves, otters can indeed be very evil! Just look at the much-loved TV Presenter, Terry Nutkins, who lost two of his fingers when an otter called Edal bit them off. Owww.
< < < That's Terry (with a seal, not an otter).
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
Jess , 15
Thats terriable, i'm sure that not all otter's are evil. The otter pribably attacked you because it was hungry and thought that you were food or maybe it was just protecting it's self as it may of thought that you were going to attack it. i'm sorry to hear what happened though and don't let that tragic acident make your fear of water any more worse. to try and get over your fear of water maybe you should go to swimming lessons or go swimming with your mates at the nearesr swimming pool near you.
Danielle, 19
The otters were only protecting themselves, their families, or their territory. And it was probably terrified of you. Don't go off animals because they are beautiful creatures. Things like this have happened to me, but i still love animals because i understand.
Daisy, 13
Poor you! Im still going to keep loving them but im going to be way more careful when i go into rivers.
Sarah, 12
That is sad, those evil otters! I would of been so scared. But maybe they were protecting their teritory (sorry i'm always on the side of the animal(; ) Poor you.
Victoria, 12
OMG! I never thought Otters could be like that! You must be so lucky that you only have a little scar and that it wasn't serious!
Katie, 16
Wow, I didn't know how vicious otters could be, I always thought they were cute cuddly things. But I'm glad you weren't too badly injured, although it doesn't look like it helped your water phobia much!
Vanisha, 12
That sounds very unusual and unlikely cos i thought they were nice and firendly too but know i dont. Im soo glad it didnt get out - of - control
Christabelle, 13
Wow! And I always thought that Otters were really cute and harmless....
Me, 14
It probably wasn't on purpose - the otter was just following its instincts to protect its home and family. Im sure, when in a good mood, otters can be sweet!
Molly, 13
When I first read the tagline for this 'When otters turn bad' I found it a bit amusing but after reading it I realise it's nothing to laugh at. You could have been seriously hurt! You should tell the local council, make them put up a no swimming sign or something x
rhia, 13
thats actually quite funny :)gotta love otters really, tbf you shouldn't go swimming in lakes should you? xxxxx
