Third person is bitten by an aggressive otter in West Boca Raton

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- A third person has been bitten by an aggressive otter in West Boca Raton neighborhoods.

A dog was bitten twice recently and animal control officials have been at a loss to catch the angry animal or animals. The fear is the attacking animal is rabid, and officials are warning people who live in the West Boca Raton near Yamato Road and Highway 441 to stay away from all wildlife.

The latest incident happened in Southwind Lakes when an otter came out of a canal and bit a man while he was in his backyard. Two other people were bitten Sunday in the Boca Chase area.

Anyone attacked or bitten should contact their nearest hospital or the Health Department as precautionary vaccines may need to be administered. The Health Department can be reached at 561-671-4184. Only otters exhibiting signs of sickness and aggressive behavior should be reported to Animal Care and Control at 561-233-1200 or Florida Wildlife Conservation at 888-404-3922.

Domestic animals, dogs, and cats, over four months old must be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies license tag. Rabies shots are available through a veterinarian or by calling Animal Care and Control at 561-233-1200.