Boy, 3, Hospitalized In Playground Squirrel Attack, State Troope and another adult Also Injured

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 3-year-old boy, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and another adult were hurt on Wednesday afternoon in a bizarre attack by a squirrel on a day care playground.

 

It happened at the Children's Academy Daycare on Oak Ridge Road in Orange County.

 

Kevin Santiago, 3, was bitten nine times while playing on the playground, according to Yietza Santiago, the boy's mother.

 

"There was a 3-year-old little boy sitting on the swing. The squirrel attacked him and didn't want to get off of the child. We threw things at it to try to get it off and nothing. Finally, we were able to take it off," day care director Maritza Diaz said.

 

The trooper, who was working an accident near the playground, responded, and FHP spokeswoman Kim Miller said he was jumped by the animal. He tried to shoot the squirrel away, but it attacked again and scratched and bit him before he could escape.

 

He was treated and released at a local Centra Care for his injuries.

 

Squirrel attacks on humans are uncommon, but the rodents are known to bite if they are injured or feel trapped. Officials said the squirrel may be rabid, but officials said getting rabies from squirrels is unlikely.

 

Doctors often advise bite victims not to undergo post-bite rabies treatments, unless the squirrel attacked for no apparent reason.

The squirrel in the playground attack managed to escape.