A North Carolina woman was left shocked and injured when an otter suddenly attacked her during a local marathon. Erin Hogston, from Wilmington, was waiting on the side of a trail to cheer for her friends when she became the victim of a rare and unexpected attack by the semi-aquatic creature.
The Shocking Attack
It was a regular Sunday in Cary when Erin Hogston stood by a paved trail, cheering for her friends running in the marathon. She was waiting for them to pass when she heard a rustling sound in the bushes behind her. At first, she thought it was a bear, but what followed was even more unexpected.
The animal suddenly appeared, and Hogston panicked, trying to flee. However, the otter lunged at her and bit her on the ankle as she fell while running away. Hogston, who initially believed she was attacked by a beaver, was shocked when a nearby runner informed her that it was, in fact, an otter.
“I don’t know, I don’t see anything cute about otters, especially now,” Hogston said, expressing her disbelief over the attack.
Hospital Visit and Rabies Shots
After the attack, Hogston was rushed to a local hospital, where she received six rabies shots as a precaution. She spent several hours in the emergency room, and the hospital staff was stunned when they heard about the otter attack. “You got bit by what?” the nurses reportedly asked when she checked in.
Hogston will need to return for more rabies shots in the following weeks and months to ensure she remains safe from any potential risks.
Uncommon Otter Behavior
Although otter attacks are extremely rare, Hogston’s case highlights the unusual nature of such incidents. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologist, Falyn Owens, otters are not generally aggressive toward humans. “Most people enjoy having them around,” Owens said, explaining that otter attacks usually occur for reasons such as rabies or self-defense.
Since 1875, only 59 otter attacks have been documented worldwide, making Hogston’s experience a very rare occurrence.
Wildlife Experts’ Advice
Wildlife officials advise people to stay aware of their surroundings when outdoors, as animals can sometimes act unpredictably. Hogston, now recovering from her ordeal, warned others to be cautious while enjoying nature.
“You never know what’s going to be out on those trails,” Hogston said, cautioning people to remain vigilant.
