Florida man, dog attacked by rabid otter. How dangerous are these cute, beloved animals?
A rabid river otter attacked and bit a Florida man over 40 times while the man was feeding ducks at a pond near his home on Sept. 27, according to the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control and WPBF.
Joseph Scaglione, 74, said as he turned to go back to his home, he heard the ducks fly away and found an otter had caused the commotion. He tried to back away while still facing the creature but it attacked just before he could close the gate to his yard, biting him 41 times across his body.
The otter also attacked a dog on a walk with its family the same day. Local residents helped capture the animal by trapping it under a recycling bin and securing it with cinderblocks before the officials arrived, according to the case report by Palm Beach County ACC. It tested positive for rabies days later and was euthanized.
But otters have such a stellar reputation for being "cute, cuddly" creatures. They're known for holding each other's hands and juggling rocks. Even the most stoic of individuals can't resist smiling at the squeak of a baby otter pup when introduced to water for the first time.
Are they actually more dangerous than what the general public thinks? Here's what to know.
More: Rabid otter bites Florida man 41 times while he was feeding birds
What type of otters are in Florida?
River otters are found throughout Florida except the Keys. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, they usually prefer fresh water and can be found in rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, and swamps. Otters live in burrows on the bank of the water body, often under tree roots.
How do Florida's otters compare to sea otters?
The west coast's sea otters are two to three times the size of river otters, with the former getting up to two to five feet in height. The tail of a sea otter is short and flattened while a river otter's tail is long and pointed.
Another key difference is that at the water's surface, sea otters float on their backs, while river otters swim belly down like most animals.
How aggressive are river otters to humans?
Otters are generally not considered dangerous to humans. Like most wildlife, otters will be hostile if confronted. When an otter feels threatened, experts say they can use their heavy, muscular body and sharp claws to overpower pets and small children.
What is the bite force of a river otter?
Let's not forget those sharp canines otters have. Due to their diet, they are equipped with teeth and jaws that are able of catching and gripping onto slippery fish.
River otters also have a powerful bite that helps them latch their prey as they take it to dry land. The force of an otter's bite is estimated at 615 pounds per square inch compared to the average person's bite force of around 162 pounds per square inch.
Why would a river otter attack a human?
Megan Isadore, executive director of the River Otter Ecology Project, shared with Forbes why an otter might attack.
“When hungry, stressed, or threatened, animals are more likely to engage in defensive behavior,” Island told reporters. “It may seem aggressive to us, but as I mentioned, they are defending young, a territory, a den, or some other food resource that they need to survive.”
Can you ever touch a wild otter?
No, you should never try to touch a wild otter. Officials from the Monterey Bay Aquarium stress to keep a safe distance, keeping 50 feet away from otters. They also advice to be especially cautious of those that are in distress.
What time of day are otters most active?
Otters are nocturnal by nature, but they can be seen by day foraging or playing.
Their daytime activity also increases during the winter months. There is no hibernation period, meaning they are active all year-round.
How often do river otters attack?
The good news is that otter attacks are rare due to otters keeping their distance and coming out at night.
A 2021 review published in the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin found 20 reported otter attacks worldwide from 2011 to 2021. Another review from 2011 counted 39 reports of "violent human-otter interactions" between 1875 and 2010.
What should I do if I see an otter while swimming or kayaking?
According to wildlife officials from New York, they advise those who spot otters in the wild to:
Not feed wildlife and leave wild baby animals where you find them.
Keep quiet, move slowly and be patient. Allow time for animals to enter the area.
What to do if you find an otter in your yard?
Otters often enter suburban neighborhoods when their natural habitats are cleared away to make roads, factories or newly planned housing areas, according to Wildlife Animal Control. They also note that they playful and curious animals who like to investigate things in their environment.
If you spot one hanging out in your yard, keep your distance and leave them alone. If they are racking havoc in your garden and fish pond, experts say you can bang pots together or play a noisy recording to scare them off.
Wildlife Animal Control also advises those not to feed them or attempt to get them to come closer.
What is rabies? How to stay safe
"Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans if not treated," FDOH said in the release regarding the Jupiter attack. It also issued the following advice:
Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals.
Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly
Contributing reporting: Kinsey Crowley, USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Rabid otter attack of Florida man: Are otters aggressive, dangerous?
