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Rabid Woodchuck Chases, Attacks Massachusetts Woman

MEDWAY (KDKA) -- A Massachusetts woman is recovering after being chased and attacked by a rabid woodchuck.

According to a statement from Medway Animal Control, the woman was "aggressively pursued" by the animal.

Message from the Medway Animal Control Officer: Earlier this week a resident was pursued by an extremely aggressive...

Posted by Town of Medway, MA on Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Boston Globe reports the resident was jogging, and noticed the woodchuck crossing the street before it came after her.

"And then it sort of looked up and just darted at her," an animal control officer said. "She had only seconds really to defend herself."

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The woodchuck was caught and tested positive for rabies.

The woman has apparently sought preventative treatment.

"While there is no need to panic we do urge residents to exercise an abundance of caution if they encounter an aggressive wild animal and to alert the Medway Police Department," the post reads.

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