Lebanon Animal Attacks
Unidentified aggressive animal attacks three residents in Lebanon, New Hampshire, prompting rabies warnings.
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Key Points
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Surveillance footage shows the animal attacking a man twice near the U-Haul: after he kicked it away, it lunged at him again and latched onto his leg before he managed to break free.
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A person who witnessed the encounter from a passing car got out to help; the animal eventually detached from the man and was sent flying in the direction of the would-be rescuer before retreating under the U-Haul.
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Police said the attacks occurred in the Centerra Park area of Lebanon, and the first reported incident took place on a Sunday, with the most recent attack reported the following evening.
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Authorities explained that rabies can spread through a bite or scratch, or when infected saliva enters an open wound or contacts the eyes, nose or mouth.
A mystery animal has attacked three people in Lebanon, New Hampshire, since August 30, leaving police and residents baffled about its identity. Yahoo News reported that surveillance footage captured one man's brutal struggle with the creature near a U-Haul, where it attacked him twice—lunging at his leg after he kicked it away. Authorities cannot confirm whether the animal is a gray fox or fisher, but they warn it may carry rabies based on its unusually aggressive behavior.
The attacks occurred in the Centerra Park area, with the first incident on a Sunday and the most recent the following evening. WGNO reported that a passing motorist stopped to help one victim, only to have the animal sent flying toward them before it retreated under the U-Haul. Police are working with New Hampshire Fish and Game to track down the animal and urge residents to avoid approaching or feeding it.
Caught on Camera: A Brutal Two-Part Attack
Surveillance video shows the animal's shocking persistence during one encounter. The Mirror noted that after the man kicked the creature away, it lunged back at him and clamped onto his leg. The victim fought to break free while the animal held on with visible strength. Only his desperate struggle managed to dislodge it from his body.
A bystander's attempt to help nearly put them in danger. As the animal detached from the first victim, it was sent flying toward the passing motorist who had stepped out of their car. The creature then retreated under the U-Haul, disappearing from view. The quick thinking of both the victim and witness prevented a potential fourth attack.
Police Suspect Rabies Based on Aggressive Behavior
The animal's relentless attacks suggest it may be infected with rabies, according to authorities. The Mirror reported that the Lebanon Police Department flagged the behavior as "unusually aggressive"—a red flag for the deadly virus. Rabies can spread through bites, scratches, or when infected saliva touches open wounds or mucous membranes like eyes, nose, or mouth.
Any victim bitten or scratched by the animal faces serious medical risk. MyFox8 emphasized that anyone who encounters the creature should move to safety immediately and contact authorities. The animal remains unidentified and unconfirmed, making it impossible for doctors to rule out rabies exposure without capturing the creature for testing.
Hunt Underway as Mystery of the Animal Deepens
Authorities have not spotted the animal themselves, leaving its identity a puzzle. Witnesses suggested it could be a gray fox or fisher, but police cannot confirm either. WGNTV reported that the Lebanon Police Department is coordinating with New Hampshire Fish and Game to locate and identify the creature. Its small size and behavior have puzzled experts on both sides.
Officials issued a clear warning to residents in the Centerra Park area and beyond. Do not approach, feed, capture, or interact with any unfamiliar animal, especially one behaving strangely. Residents are urged to report sightings to police immediately and move indoors if they encounter it. The agency continues to investigate while residents remain on high alert.
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