A series of unsettling animal attacks has put a New Hampshire neighborhood on edge, after what officials described as an “unusually aggressive” wild creature targeted at least three people in under 48 hours and prompted warnings for residents to stay alert.
The animal, described by witnesses as either a gray fox or a fisher, has been spotted in the Centerra Park area of Lebanon, where reports of attacks began Sunday, the Lebanon Police Department said Tuesday.
Authorities suspect the same animal may be responsible for all three encounters, though officers have so far been unable to locate it or determine exactly what species it is.
Surveillance footage obtained by WMUR shows a small gray animal rushing toward two people near a U-Haul truck in a parking lot, capturing one of the alarming confrontations that have rattled the community.
In the video, the animal appears to snatch at one man’s bag before darting toward his feet and legs, underscoring the aggressive behavior that has led Lebanon police to urge caution in the area.
The man then kicked the animal, which eventually scrambled under the truck.
The first attack was reported Sunday, with two more reported afterward. The latest happened Monday evening, according to Lebanon police.
Police suspected that a fisher cat was behind the first attack, which occurred near the Centerra Parkway.
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“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.