Squirrel attacks again at Deltona retirement home

Squirrel shot and killed after attack

Two separate squirrel attacks have been reported at Sterling Court, in Deltona, according to management. (WKMG)

DELTONA, Fla. – A squirrel attacked another woman Monday morning at the same central Florida senior center where several others were attacked last week, according to management.

Sterling Court management told WJXT's sister station, WKMG, a woman broke her wrist trying to defend herself from the squirrel, which was biting and scratching her. She was taken to a hospital for treatment after the incident.

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A staff member at the Deltona facility shot and killed the squirrel with a BB gun, spokesman Brian Fawkes said.

A Sterling Court employee called 911 after the attack.

"I have a mid-80s female who has fallen and has sustained a squirrel bite," the caller said.

"A squirrel bite?" the dispatcher asked.

The Florida Department of Health will examine the squirrel for any diseases, Fawkes said.

The Sterling Court management company, Holiday Touch, issued a statement after the second attack:

“The safety of our residents and staff is our highest priority. We are doing everything possible to keep our residents and staff protected. That includes setting traps throughout the grounds, posting signage throughout the building alerting our residents and staff to be cautious if they need to go outside, and keeping our residents informed of what’s happening at every meal.”

Several people at the facility were bitten and scratched on Thursday after a squirrel got into the activity room.

Listen to the 911 call.

Squirrels can contract rabies, but they usually wouldn't survive being bitten by a rabid animal, a Volusia County Health Department official said.

Since 2002, 81 animals in Volusia County have been reported as rabid. The majority of those were raccoons, with a total of 52 cases within the species. Next were 18 cats, five foxes, three bats, one bobcat, one dog and one otter.