Residents in a New Hampshire neighborhood are being warned to stay alert after an “unusually aggressive” wild animal attacked at least three people in under 48 hours, prompting police to urge the public to “remain aware of their surroundings.”
The unidentified animal, described by witnesses as either a gray fox or a fisher, has been linked to multiple encounters in the Centerra Park area of Lebanon since Sunday, the Lebanon Police Department said Tuesday.
Authorities believe the same animal may be responsible for all three reported attacks, though officers have so far been unable to locate it or determine its exact species.
Surveillance footage obtained by WMUR shows a small gray animal rushing toward two people near a U-Haul truck in a parking lot.
In the video, the animal appears to latch onto one man’s bag before lunging at his feet and legs.
The man kicked at the animal, which eventually retreated and darted underneath the truck.
Lebanon police said the first attack was reported Sunday, followed by two additional incidents. The most recent encounter occurred Monday evening.
After the initial attack near Centerra Parkway, police said they suspected a fisher cat may have been involved.
“It’s concerning because of the animal attacking people. That’s usually indicative of something being wrong with the animal, most likely rabies,” Lebanon Police Chief Phillip Roberts said, according to WMUR.
“And then, you know, the fact that it’s coming out and scratching and biting at people. That’s obviously a concern to us,” Roberts added.
“Oh my goodness, that’s the scariest thing,” one local told the outlet, adding, “Like there’s not enough to look out for these days, now you gotta look out for fisher cats in the parking lot.”
Police are working with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to locate the animal and determine whether it is sick.
Residents, employees and visitors in the area are being told to stay away from any wild animal acting aggressively or unusually.
“Do not approach, attempt to capture, feed, or otherwise interact with the animal,” police said
Anyone who spots the animal should move to a safe location and call Lebanon police or Fish and Game.
Police also warned about possible rabies exposure, urging anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.
