A rabid otter in Florida went on a rampage, attacking a man and a dog in Jupiter. The man, Joseph Scaglione, was feeding birds near a pond when the otter attacked him, biting him 41 times on his arms, hands, and legs. Scaglione was able to defend himself and capture the otter by grabbing it by the neck. The same otter also attacked a dog in the area.
Local residents helped capture the otter by trapping it under a recycling bin and securing it with cinderblocks until officials arrived. The otter was later tested and confirmed positive for rabies. Scaglione was taken to the hospital for treatment and is now recovering.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system that is fatal to both animals and humans if not treated. The Florida Department of Health advises keeping rabies vaccinations up to date for pets, supervising pets to prevent contact with wild animals, and calling animal control to remove stray animals from the neighborhood. It is also important to avoid handling or feeding wild animals and to teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying safe around wildlife and taking precautions to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies. It is crucial to be aware of the behavior of wild animals and to report any unusual or aggressive behavior to authorities.
Source: Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, WPBF, WPTV