WILLIAMSBURG, Va., (WVEC) -- An aggressive river otter attacked four visitors at Jamestown Beach Event Park on Friday, James City County posted on Facebook.
Park rangers said four two adults, a 2-year-old and a 5 5-year-old were bitten by the otter. They also added that teenagers were seen by rangers, throwing sticks and stones at the otter.
The Park Ranger and James City County police responded, but were unable to capture the river otter.
County officials are warning visitors to be cautious while visiting the park and are asked to call 911 if they see the animal.
Visitors like Bianca Bedoya said this story reminds her to be aware of her surroundings.
“It’s cute and everything but I don’t think people should like to bother it, or anything because you never know how it can react,” said Bedoya.
The James City County Health Department’s Environmental Health Director Gary Hagy said they don’t know if the otter has rabies. Anyone who may have been in contact with the river otter is encouraged to contact their physician or go to the emergency room.
Anyone who was in contact with the otter can call the James City County Health Department at 757-253-4813 on weekdays or 757-268-8711 on weekends.
Hagy said the state department tested 5 otters for rabies since 2012.
“Two of those five tested laboratory confirmed positive for the rabies virus,” said Hagy.
Still, he recommends always playing it safe by seeing a doctor if an otter bites you.
“The aggressiveness raises a level of concern definitely,” said Hagy. “They’re cute yes. They look cuddly and everything but leave them alone. Don’t try to interact with them.”
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