Authorities say a Maitland police officer fatally shot a rabid otter several days after people reported attacks.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Maitland police officer put the sick animal down last week near Lake Maitland.
Police say a visitor at a nearby park reported being attacked Jan. 7, followed by two more attacks the next day. Several days later, police responded to a home where someone reported a sick otter in their backyard. Officers say the animal appeared to be seizing and shaking.
A report says the officer shot the otter twice, killing it. Orange County Animal Services confirmed the otter had rabies Saturday. Officials say the victims are undergoing post-exposure vaccinations.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and can be fatal to warm-blooded animals and people.
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