Man Feeding Birds in His Backyard Suddenly Attacked by an Otter… Yes, an Otter!

Just a little over a week ago, in Jupiter, Florida, an attack happened like nothing Florida has seen in years. It was a Wednesday morning, and Joseph Scaglione went out to feed the birds just like he always did. This was his regular morning routine. Only this was far from a regular day. 

Rabid Otter Bites

As Scaglione was feeding the birds, he said that he noticed that all of the birds fluttered away quickly. He recounts his testimony of what happened next below.

“Looked up, no hawk, look back down, and there was a brown head sticking up over the bank of the pond. And at first, I didn’t know it was an otter, but then I realized that’s an otter,” Scaglione said.

As anyone in his position would do, Scaglione tried to back away from this otter as quickly as possible. Only this otter pounced and bit him multiple times. It was later reported that he was bitten a total of 41 times. There were bite marks on both of his legs, hands, and arms. 

This otter did not stop there. It was reported the otter left that “scene of the crime” and went out to terrorize another family that was walking their dog. And the otter attacked the dog. Some of the neighbors were able to capture the otter in a recycling bin. Then, officials were able to transport the animal and have it tested. 

The Palm Beach County Animal Care official told 25 WPBF News that the otter likely got rabies from an infected raccoon. The news also confirmed from The Florida Department of Health that “The animal (otter) tested positive for rabies and has since been euthanized.” 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers a warning to never feed wildlife. “In some cases, feeding wildlife is illegal in Florida. Species with rules related to feeding include bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, alligators, crocodiles, sandhill cranes, and wild monkeys. Feeding wildlife can reduce their fear of humans, which may result in aggression and the need for the animal to be removed or killed to protect public safety.”

What To Do if You Are Bitten by a Rabid Animal?

As you never know what type of rabies an animal might have, it is important to take it seriously. According to the World Health Organization, “Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Clinically, it has two forms: Furious rabies – characterized by hyperactivity and hallucinations. Paralytic rabies – characterized by paralysis and coma.”

It is best to seek immediate medical treatment. Whether it is by calling your local physician, going to a walk-in clinic, or heading to the ER. In the meantime, washing your rabies with soap and water and covering it with a bandage is the go-to answer. 

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