Photo: Galen Rowell / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images
Seminole County, FL - A visitor to Wekiva Island in Seminole County was reportedly bitten by a river otter last month and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Wildlife officials confirmed the incident occured on May 29th.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, emergency responders from Wekiva Island Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene, treated the victim, and arranged transport to a nearby medical facility.
An FWC officer teamed with Wekiva Island staff to search the area but was unable to locate the otter, and no other sightings have been reported since.
River otter encounters are uncommon, but FWC experts note that these animals may behave aggressively if they feel cornered or startled, especially near their habitat.
The agency has emphasized that the victim was bitten rather than severely attacked and that the proper response protocols were followed at the scene.
Wildlife specialists remind the public that the best way to stay safe is by keeping a respectful distance from all wild animals.
FWC also highlights that although most otters avoid human contact, rare incidents involving rabid otters in previous years serve as reminders that these animals are still unpredictable.
Otters are native to Florida and are found throughout the state except in the Keys.
They are mostly active at night and feed on fish and crayfish.
While typically shy, they have shown aggressive behavior in isolated situations, including a 2010 case involving a rabid otter attacking an elderly man.
Officials continue to monitor Wekiva Island and encourage visitors to avoid feeding or interacting with wildlife and to report any unusual behavior to authorities immediately.