Rabid otters on the loose in Maitland

Warnings from the FWC have been posted after several bite and scratch incidents in the vicinity of Lake Maitland.

By Tim Freed
| 12:48 a.m. January 25, 2019

An otter recently removed from the Lake Maitland area tested positive for rabies.

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
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Maitland residents who spot an otter around Lake Maitland or Lake Lily should keep their distance instead of pulling out their phone and getting close to snap a photo.

Fliers warning of rabid otters have been posted around Lake Maitland and Lake Lily after three recent reports of locals getting bitten or scratched by the furry critters. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the first incident occurred Monday, Jan. 7, at the boardwalk at Lake Lily, while a second incident happened the following day at an apartment complex about a half-mile away from the lake. The third incident also took place at a private residence.

WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN BY AN OTTER

If you are exposed to a potentially rabid animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and seek medical attention immediately. A health care provider will care for the wound and assess the risk for rabies exposure. The following information will help your health care provider assess your risk: the geographic location of the incident, the type of animal that was involved, how the exposure occurred (provoked or unprovoked), the vaccination status of the animal, and whether the animal can be safely captured and tested for rabies.

Steps taken by the health care practitioner will depend on the circumstances of the bite. Your health care practitioner should consult state or local health departments, veterinarians, or animal control officers to make an informed assessment of the incident and to request assistance. The important factor is that you seek care promptly after you are bitten by any animal.

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was made aware of multiple individuals bitten or scratched by a river otter in separate incidents that happened in close proximity to each other in the area surrounding Lake Maitland in Orange County,” said Carli Segelson of FWC in a statement. “The FWC takes public safety seriously and is monitoring the situation.”

The statement from FWC confirmed that on Jan. 10 an officer with the Maitland Police Department removed an otter exhibiting “abnormal behavior.”

“The carcass of the animal was turned over to Orange County Animal Control for testing,” the statement reads. “The Orange County Department of Health confirmed that the otter tested positive for rabies. The FWC will continue to monitor the situation.”

Staff members from FWC are working with the Orange County Department of Health and the city of Maitland to provide information to the public — which so far has come in the form of fliers posted around the lakes.

The FWC encourages residents to be responsible pet owners, keeping vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats and ferrets. The requirement is important not only to keep pets from getting rabies but also to protect pet owners if their animal is bitten by a rabid wild animal.

Pets should be kept under direct supervision as well so they don’t come into contact with wild animals.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy wild animals (raccoons, skunks, foxes, etc.) from afar.

Anyone who sees otters exhibiting unusual behavior such approaching pets or acting aggressively should contact the FWC at (888) 404-3922. Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical help immediately and contact the Florida Department of Health at (407) 858-1400.