Otter bites person at Wekiva Island; FWC searching for animal
Otter bites person at Wekiva Island
A person was bitten by an otter at Wekiva Island on May 29, prompting a response from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), officials said.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A person was bitten by an otter at Wekiva Island on May 29, prompting a response from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), officials said.
CALI, COLOMBIA - NOVEMBER 22: A river otter swims at the Cali Zoo, a leading natural and cultural hub in Colombia, renowned for its innovation in conservation, education, and research, in Cali, Colombia on November 22, 2024. Managed by the non-profit
What they're saying:
Otter attacks on humans are rare but do happen, from time to time.
"I don't want to let folks have the idea that. You know, otters are super dangerous," said Megan Stolen, senior scientist at Blue World Research Institute.
Stolen said that when she learned a person was bitten by an otter, two possibilities came to mind.
"The otter perceives that the person is too close," she said. And the other reason? "Because of rabies."
That makes animals more aggressive than usual.
"I didn't think that they were around this area at all," said Jose Vasquez, an Orlando resident who was visiting the park on Tuesday.
Stolen advises that people keep their distance.
"Avoiding them, just like avoiding other carnivores and, you know, coyotes and dogs and bobcats and everything else, is just really good," she added.
That is advice Vasquez took to heart.
"I feel like you've got to respect nature, no matter what. You understand that this isn't where you're from, and you know to tread lightly, you know, test the waters, of course, but definitely have respect for nature," he said.
What's next:
According to FWC, the individual was treated at the scene by Wekiva Island Fire and Rescue and later transported to a local hospital for further medical care. An FWC officer, working alongside Wekiva Island management, searched the area but was unable to locate the otter.
As of Tuesday, no additional sightings have been reported. The FWC continues to monitor the area and urges caution around wildlife.
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The Source: The information in this article comes from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).