Unknown — and potentially rabid — mystery animal has attacked three people in a NH town

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An unknown ‘wild animal’ has been attacking people in this NH town

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Three attacks involving an animal that "displayed unusually aggressive behavior toward people," which can be associated with rabies, have been reported in New Hampshire, according to authorities. However, officials have yet to determine exactly what type of animal is ambushing the unsuspecting humans.

From Aug. 30-31, police received three reports of animal attacks in the same area of Lebanon, about 122 miles northwest of Boston, according to news releases from the Lebanon Police Department. The attacks seem to be unprovoked, and police believe the same animal is responsible.

Video shows the moment one person was attacked by the unknown animal. The wild animal is shown running from what appears to be a wooded area as the victim walks around a moving truck. The animal then goes after the person's legs in an unprovoked attack. It attacks the victim multiple times. The victim is seen flinging the animal away from them after it attacks their legs again, and then the animal returns to the wooded area.

The animal responsible for the attacks has not been identified, but witnesses say they believe the animal is either a gray fox or a fisher, a nocturnal mammal in the weasel family, according to Defenders of Wildlife. It is an elusive animal that lives in forests throughout the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes states.

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All three of the attacks happened in the Centerra Parkway area in Lebanon, according to authorities.

Police ask that people remain vigilant and not approach, feed or try to catch the animal that could be responsible for the attacks. They also asked that people report any attacks, bites or scratches to the Lebanon Police Department.

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