The Otter Mauling Victims Speak Out | MeatEater Podcast

In this exclusive interview, Steven Rinella talks with otter mauling victims, Jennifer Royce, Stephanie Johnson, and Leila Pavolich. Janis Putelis and Spencer Neuharth join.
Topics discussed: FTO and missing half your ear; the frequency of otter attacks over time; donate to the Bob Patten Endowment for the Kent State University Experimental Archaeology Laboratory so you can see more bison butchery experiments with Clovis points; the bison skull with a bullet hole at the MeatEater flagship store in Bozeman, MT; Jani’s "Unga Bunga Test"; our interview with the American hunters facing potential prison time in Turks and Caicos; different views on Governor tags; finding a husband for Stephanie; floating on inner tubes down the Jefferson River; when otters were your favorite animal; doing a body roll; the importance of dry bags; just how thankful you are when SOS works on your phone; the landowner and the trooper to the rescue; hundreds of stitches; lingering emotional trauma; having a sense of humor about it as a way to help heal; strapping on the dive knife for next time; and more.
#fueledbynature #meateater
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[@BarryDavis9484]

Switched from the podcast to KZbin almost an hour in. Y'all got me in tears because it's obvious how much y'all love each other. I'm glad you're all okay and have each other

[@hudsonwhetten4984]

I did the same, and out of all the podcast episodes, this is the only one i've felt the need to watch on youtube

[@jayolson578]

Being an Iraq and Afghanistan vet, nothing is harder to deal with then having a friend that is in bad shape, things going downhill fast, and to hear them asking and telling you to tell their wife and kids that they are sorry for dying and that they love them and tell my mom and dad that I love them. Most made it home but some didn’t. No matter the outcome that sticks with you for a while, but with time it gets better. Hang in there Steph it’ll get better. Great podcast and amazing guests.

[@Manbunmen65]

That doesn't have anything to do with this podcast. Maybe you need to go talk to someone about it and not KZbin comments.

[@jobbybohnson6818]

​@Manbunmen65 it 100% relates to this podcast. How about you keep scrolling bussy

[@alannawatts7270]

Man, I loved this episode. Thank you Jennifer, Stephanie and Leila for sharing your experience with us. Probably going to bring a divers knife with me during our floats this summer. Definitely gives me pause bringing my kids with me on a remote river now. But I appreciate how y’all are getting back in the river on the anniversary. Way to work through the trauma! I hate that even in these comments there is negativity towards you guys and your story. It needs to be told! Wild animals protect their territory and especially young adults need to be educated about the risks of recreation.

[@kbc1883]

Yes, definitely a divers knife strapped on and possibly a waterproof canister of pepper/bear spray for aggressive people, dogs, and wild animals, just like when fishing with waders. I also bring a hiking first aid kit in the drybag and wear a whistle and a PLB on my life vest. And yes, we always wear PFDs! Don’t want an otter to be able to hold me down!

[@outdoorjoe4940]

Great interview. Stephanie is definitely suffering from PTSD. She’s describing exactly how you feel when you’re in combat and lose friends. She was bringing back some strong feelings and memories for me. Keep up the fight Stephanie, you did good and were where you were supposed to be.

[@zeldarobinson3382]

thank you Steve, Yani , Jennifer, Stephanie and Leila for a great interveiw and sharing your story, glad to hear you are all ok and moving on with living your lives , all our ours prayers were answered on your recovery . this interveiw was the best thing to happen for you all because you all needed to talk about it and share the whole story , this will increase your inner healing and let it go. we never forget the experience but as your friend said dont let it control your life , God Bless you all ,

[@CB-produced]

What an amazing story, these ladies are awesome examples of friends.

[@mcnivenjjm]

I never thought of the meat eater series as a tear jerker type of show. Good show.

[@BigGulpsUmbasa]

If for some reason you want more tear jerkers from Meateater, check out their Close Calls series.

[@janemuir3546]

Thank you for sharing. At 57, we travel with our camper and do some fun stuff, in the middle of nowhere. Lilia, your thoughts and actions feel like training for me. I can't imagine the conversations during those 53 minutes. And Janis, I wasn't anticipating needing tissues either. Thank you to all for this podcast.

[@Scrap5000]

I saw a documentary years ago about an otter rehabilitation center, and they explained how once the otters reach puberty, the handlers need to be extremely careful, and many need to completely stay physically away from the otters, because they are incredibly aggressive and dangerous. Even to the people that have raised them by hand from babies. Otters are NO JOKE, and people have no idea how dangerous they are.

[@danschneekloth7290]

Great episode, try not to let negative comments get to you. You three girls are awesome, better than any city girls ive ever met!

[@OutBackWithMatt]

Hope you guys see this, it would be super interesting to get the landowner Doug on the phone to hear his take on what happened.

[@theSurvivorRanch]

Side note 📝 he was found with a WET OTTER 🦫 ONESY in his truck and was charged with ASS-AULT 😂 👍

[@DanGross9]

You ladies are boss, both for sharing the excruciating details of the story, and for being vulnerable with the trauma you experienced. It takes courage to be open about trauma struggles.

[@Upthefarlane]

Huge thank you to Stephanie, Jen and Leila for sharing your story, your way. I was laughing and crying along with you the whole way. When i saw Jen reach for Stephanies hand, I was a mess... you 3 are brave, smart, fierce and wonderful. And your friendship is beautiful to see. Thanks Meateater for dojng this interview (and Katie for getting their contact info, and Steve for emailing so persuasively😉)

[@corkforbrains]

3 AMAZING women.. Thank you Steve Rinella. Their story NEEDS to be told. Everyone thinks an otter is this juvenile, hand raised, socialized creature and that their curious, loving behavior often portrayed on the internet is the norm. Heads high ladies.. you are all tremendously brave and GORGEOUS!

[@AlottaDixonCider]

Sure, that’s why they’re single

[@danieltaylor5231]

Things I learned from this podcast, otters can be vicious little fuckers and Steve is the Oprah of the outdoor world.

[@tjp-re4du]

saying Steve and oprah in the same breath is outrageous.

[@schristiansen3151]

And YOU get an Otter trap, and YOU get an Otter trap, and YOU get an Otter trap...🤣

[@frankjerardenno2678]

You have to be prepared for wildlife or death occurrences can and do happen in this world, it's not fake or scripted,death happens all the time- in the words of my boy scouts say " be prepared "❤

[@tomseabury5884]

Very happy that you all are doing great! Mahalo for sharing your experience. It’s so sad that there are people out in the world who would comment negatively about your life changing encounter with these otters. Bless you ladies and your families.

[@greyhawk8187]

Awesome guests! What a great friendship, best interview I have seen in a long time!

[@HayleyatHome_]

Great interview. Awesome ladies. I couldn’t imagine. I love floating. Recently floated the Clearwater River in Idaho with a group of 25ish. This was a good reminder of how quickly things can change and ways to be prepared (I probably should wear shoes). Thanks all.

[@georgelewis9729]

Absolutely awesome and touching story. Thank you Meateater!

[@garrettmunson8367]

Thanks for being brave enough to share your story, ladies. You crushed this.

[@northernutahoutdoors1657]

Personally I would love to see forest galante on this podcast!

[@Sgt.Suckdown]

Yessir! That’d be awesome

[@northernutahoutdoors1657]

I think with the foraging, spearfishing, and conservation aspects of forest it would make for a great podcast

[@Bull3tBikes]

What about the layman Retep?

[@northernutahoutdoors1657]

@@Bull3tBikes I’m honestly not a fan of the other 2 fellas

[@WildSideOfLifeYT]

100%!! Forest would be an awesome guest could probably teach steve a thing or two! Especially about spearfishing!

[@garytrigg-graynoth4034]

great interview!! i think people see otters as cute and cuddly and wouldn’t hurt anyone, however wild is wild and when animals attack its never going to end well! stay strong ladies and i hope time proves to be the great healer! Sending support and best wishes from Australia ❤️❤️❤️

[@1990westfalia]

Thanks for sharing the experience. Including how some people are misinformed and are treating you. Some people just don’t get it. The three of you are very strong. I know your words will heal others wounds. God Bless the three of you and your families. Skillet

[@hendu7111]

That was an incredible interview. I'm in Michigan and I recall hearing about this and yeah, you laugh about it but I had no idea on the intense encounter that took place. Also, we camp and tube on a well known western Michigan river frequently and although I've never seen any otters, better believe I will be going down next time with a dive knife and keeping my eyes peeled.

[@thejewelersbench]

The people otter know the truth. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@andrewmiller1761]

Get out 😂

[@kungfooish]

Well done

[@MichaelBradley-NOAAAffiliate]

Youre a dad arent you

[@tomgensel4134]

You got me on this one. You girls are awesome. 👍👍👍

[@JamesWalker-ng1qh]

Man that's crazy there was such a negative response from people. When I first heard the story I thought "that sounds f*cking terrifying" but I also know how savage nature is and I bet most those other folks have no idea.

[@jackman6106]

Great interview and episode!

[@marcusplyon]

What a great episode. Excellent! Got me teary eyed a few times.

[@chrismartin5166]

Hell of a story. It’s got me shaking my head. Almost at the end of the podcast. Did we ever hear what happened to the otters? I figured someone went in and trapped them. You ladies are badass and I hope for a full recovery of injuries seen and unseen.

[@jeffjohnson3302]

What a horrific story! Thank you for sharing! The 3 of you are STRONG ladies!

[@ann5028]

I’ve never seen or heard of a giant river otter until this pod! Far cry from the adorable sea otters I’m used to. So wild. Still can’t fathom how huge this thing was it’s terrifying. I’m so glad everyone’s ok

[@WildSideOfLifeYT]

You ladies are rockstars! Love your embrace of humour to the situation. Respect your guys comradere for eachother! The single lady is Beautiful, funny and very witty, hope she finds an awesome dude to share her life with! Havent been a huge fan of the non stop guests lately and have lost a bit of interest in the show but really enjoyed these ladys.

[@digicyc]

What a strong group of gals. My friends and I go floating all the time and never once had I thought about the possible danger of an Otter attack. I've always heard they can be pretty vicious. Keep keeping each other strong and thank god you had each other.

[@judge4all]

These ladies r absolutely wonderful. Love each other and watch out for otters.

[@danstowe8163]

Great podcast. Thanks for the story girls, glad you decided to share.

[@robertleithead3923]

Stev tries to stay serious. Love it. Good podcast.

[@Plasticjesus504]

People really don’t understand how gnarly otters can be. They are basically just big water weasels. The problem is that we as a culture make them look cute and cuddly.

[@hughausmus2557]

This was in my humble opinion top 3 for meeteater. These gals remind me so much of my friends circle. Maybe the only difference is alcohol probably would have been a major contributing factor if this were to happen to us. Strictly based on past tubing trips here in northeast California.

[@shanelowe3902]

I'm glad you did the interview. I understand to some extent what they went through. I do appreciate otters, but I have another level of respect for them without having a bad experience. All it takes is a mauling by an animal.....for most people that's a dog as a child. An otter in the water is on another level.

[@anactivemarketcrash742]

Wow this was a very emotional podcast! What heros!

[@outofgas5293]

Once had two otters fighting a paddle length away kayaking. Reminded me of cats fighting. It was frightening up close .

[@CHRISandSHEN]

Amazing woman, Steve’s matter of fact questions were a giggle, he just puts it out there but doesn’t realise he’s doing it 👍

[@Jpecks19]

This was a great episode!

[@i.martin.7]

Wasn't expecting to get teared up listening to this dang it. God bless ya'll

[@tonybrooks3751]

One of the best episodes I’ve ever watched

[@adambomb215]

This was a fantastic podcast. Thsnk you.

[@vontothemax]

I loved this episode so much.

[@bartonmd]

Man, that's wild! I get why people would be derogatory from just reading a headline, but it's also been my experience that most people only read the headline and form their whole opinion and life view from it. Either way, it sucks that they're having to deal with that!

[@Sethleavescomments]

Curious about the bleeping. Did we finally get the podcast's first see you next tuesday?

[@NVEMBER]

that's what I'm thinking

[@JenniferRoyce-xw7mo]

Yes you did 😊

[@Sethleavescomments]

@@JenniferRoyce-xw7mo "Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." -Mark Twain

[@Cdubp01]

@@JenniferRoyce-xw7mo You three are awesome! So glad you made it out-and thank you so much for sharing your stories with us! I was absolutely glued with intent listening. Btw-the scars are badass!

[@JenniferRoyce-xw7mo]

@@Cdubp01 thank you so much!!

[@ryanjones3043]

Holy smokes where’s my box of tissues 😢 What a rough story man, your friend trapped in the river as they watch you fade away….. rescue within eyesight with no way to reach you while you watch the summer grass gently blowing in the wind. Sounds like a damn movie

[@johnnottahcal5725]

I think all 3 of you are awesome! I’ve floated with a mottly crew all through our childhood but no scary, life threatening incidents. Closest we came was a glow passing Three Mile Island! 😂 Who knew!? Dang Otters! I remember Les relating the tribe was more afraid of river otters than big cats! 👀

[@rsa9082]

In my many decades in the outdoors. Anything that has sharp teeth is a predator and skilled hunters! These beautiful ladies were very lucky to get out of the water. Y’all women are. BadAsses! And should be very proud of the trifecta of each and every one of your reactions! You did amazing EVERYONE of you. ❤❤❤

[@griffoutdoortv5882]

These are some kick ass ladies what a harrowing story thanks for sharing

[@Andi.Mitchell.Designs]

On a serious note… all the women on TikTok right now saying they would choose a bear over a man need to know about this story. Heart touching while also being terrifying and a lesson on perseverance. That adrenaline when the Hilo landed is that fight to live instinct. Great story of a terrible and dangerous event. Thank you.

[@laurieclarkson9180]

Excellent episode! Fascinating! These ladies had me laughing, crying, stunned, etc..emotional roller coaster and tubing is a very popular summer past time and this would've never crossed my mind! Then the logistics of explaining to emergency services where you are, how to get ambulances and heli to you and all that...omg..horrifying! Then I was thinking..was it rabies? Imagine going through that and getting rabies too.

[@tomm5780]

Wonderful episode!

[@RobertDavis-en6wb]

Great podcast, great Ladies

[@kathleenjensen4848]

Great show, wonderful ladies.

[@randyhiebert2695]

Wow oh wow, what an insane story! You women are absolutely amazing!

[@johnlincoln4616]

Man that got heavy for a few minutes. This should be in the next close calls series.

[@dave131]

Thank you ladies and best wishes

[@danc6402]

What a podcast. 10/10

[@rycrawford5126]

I was attacked by multiple otters 2 years ago while salmon fishing and broke my collar bone in the process of fighting them off and running for my life. Luckily none of them were able to bite any chunks out of me. Now whenever I see an otter I keep my head on a swivel.

[@deancolarusso1497]

great show. thanks for sharing ladies.

[@brucetitchener9922]

I had no idea you also did a podcast, great job, what a story, FTO glad everyone came out of this ok, Scary stuff tho!

[@ross7684]

What a story! People who do not traverse the outdoors have no clue how brutal Nature can be. Most animals can cause serious injuries to humans should an encounter happen. I would have expected the state wildlife agency to be searching the area to find the otter(s) in that section of the river and dispose of them.

[@fishduckdog]

in "Unforgiven" the guys did the same thing as the story was spread about the Women. Great interview! Thanks for sharing!

[@nathanchapman9836]

Listening their story, I think they’re correct in assuming it was more than one otter. My money is on two otters at least. Especially at the initial encounter when they could see the one otter still at the surface when the one lady was bitten on the rear, under water. And then once chaos broke out, it just sounds like more than one had to have been responsible for so much.

[@michaelchase418]

I had to put down my childhood cat, i got the cat 🐈 when I was five. He got so old that his skin and flesh started rotting off. He didn't want to die, I didn't want him to die. I sure as shit didn't want to have to kill him, but he was my cat, my best friend. It was my responsibility. I was old enough to understand. I was old enough with the capabilities and the means to do what my parents were to overwhelmed to take care of. I took care of it. The worst best experience of my life, and one I have taught my kids about but have never made them have to deal with.

[@easyox77]

What State was this in?

[@BikeThrottleOfficial]

🦦 Cold-blooded killing machines. Always knew it.

[@Plasticjesus504]

They are very gnarly man.

[@bdmenne]

Does anyone know the podcast name Steven was referring to when he mentioned the fisherman that lost his whole crew at sea and changed his birth day to the day he was rescued? Thank you.

[@mtnman6942]

Amazing, strong and beautiful women. Stephanie, I wish I was 15 years younger, I love your smile and laugh. Thank you for sharing this story. I can see how difficult it must be to talk about having to re-live in detail. 🤗❤️👍 PS would you like someone to go trap those pesky otters?

[@davidadams4247]

Grate podcast 👍

[@Jk-wh4ds]

The lady on the left has PTSD, 100%.

[@kevinbermingham6277]

I’m so glad you had them on

[@GSARGENTOUTDOORS]

Way to go, ladies. Glad y'all are doing well. As for the jackasses who insulted them on the internet- I am pretty sure most of these folks mouth-breathe in front of a computer 20 hours out of the day and the only "outdoor time" these cretins get is an occasional walk to the mailbox.

[@billybaugus1249]

Otters keep Jaguars at bay in the amazon. Brutal

[@shannonRoy-x7k]

One of my favorite episodes

[@TheZdannar]

What a great group of ladies.

[@gregoryweiss7531]

Where was this again?

[@dimensionsofearth]

One of the otter stories I've ever heard. Being in the water like that would leave you pretty helpless, they did well. I missed the special episode on the Turks and Caicos jailings, I've been looking since reading the article.

[@mikeyoung5356]

C great story. Great pod!

[@TheNoColo]

"I used to love otters." Don't meet your heroes, kid. Thanks for sharing your story. Glad you were together to get through this.

[@Greg-p8x]

You ladys rock! God bless!!

[@tejawest44]

I knew I was right to dislike river otters - cute floaty sea otters they are NOT. Vicious aquatic weasels.

[@ryanomalley3705]

Idk if I'd describe sea otters as cute and floaty. Do u know what they do to each other?

[@dangerousdylan6262]

​@@ryanomalley3705rape...

[@robertwise2032]

@@ryanomalley3705 I do. Males commonly kill females and then mate with the corpse. Supposedly they’ve been known to do the same thing to seal pups. Aquatic serial killers.

[@juddmyers6111]

Country Boy Can Survive was written on KY Lake while Hank was fishing. He has told that story in a few interviews.

[@KMLifeadventure]

Everyone sees Otters as cute cuddly animals but they spend their life with wolves, Bears, coyotes and other predators so they are tough wild animals. Glad the situation wasn't worse.

[@AdamMcCormick-l3d]

Steve, I am ridiculously rich. Can I just pay to be the winner of your first essay contest? Just think of all of the great things that you could do with the money, like buying a governors sheep tag!!!😂

[@jamesnash5292]

Mora Companion is about the best value for cost knife. May not have helped in this situation. Always have a knife, a way to make fire and a way to procure water when you’re outdoors. Honestly though, hard to be prepared for this one. Congrats ladies.

[@user-ktm890rider]

Excellent conversations and for those with negative thoughts about these ladies you obviously didn’t pay attention

[@olenwalstead7900]

I may have missed it, but what state was this in?

[@jimshotwell2414]

Montana

[@chrisrice6958]

Them otters make a wave that is shaped like a killer whale makes when pushing a seal off the ice.they can out swim fish.I’m glad you ladies are safe

[@jonathangomez9548]

What a wild story glad they are doing well now

[@jimmysingleton9417]

I got bit by an octopus on vacation. Didn't think anything of it. Got home and my hand swelled like a balloon. Went to urgent care and they didn't believe me when I told them what happened. The receptionist said she har a dream the night before about an octopus trying to bite her😂

[@CaliGirl1952]

Otters, like raccoons, can be vicious. I have a friend who was duck hunting, along with is Labrador Retriever in the Grasslands in California’s Central Valley. Several otters were trying to attack his Labrador and would’ve killed it if he didn’t get the dog out of the water. The dog was ok, but scary situation. And of course he probably shot the attackers

[@lamelamerson3965]

Love this amazing show

[@blakedjameson]

That otter otter be ashamed.

[@joem4551]

Saw an otter one morning duck hunting the river and thought of this incident. I already knew otters were little killers, but now I know I'm gonna stay vigilant around the them for sure.

[@JenniferRoyce-xw7mo]

So happy this helped you be more aware!😊