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DNA Testing Used To Identify Creature That Attacked North Carolina Teacher

Wreckless

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DNA testing needed to help identify mystery animal that viciously attacked NC teacher | Charlotte Observer
JANUARY 23, 2019


A mysterious and vicious animal left a 77-year-old North Carolina teacher in critical condition in the small Beaufort County town of Pantego, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators are still trying to determine what kind of animal was involved in the attack.

Beaufort County is home to bear, alligator and coyotes, but “preliminary DNA testing facilitated by NC Wildlife Biologist has eliminated any wild animals indigenous to the area,” said a statement issued by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim was identified as Brenda Hamilton, and she is in critical condition at Vidant Pitt Hospital, said the sheriff’s office.

A 911 call at 5:47 a.m. Friday reported someone had been attacked by an animal on Indian Run Road in Pantego, said the sheriff’s office. The town of about 200 people is not far from the Pamlico Sound in coastal North Carolina.

“Beaufort County EMS and Paramedics arrived to find 77-year-old Brenda Hamilton of Pantego suffering from severe injuries as a result of the attack,” said a sheriff’s office release.

Biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission have joined the investigation, officials said.

“Beaufort County Sheriff’s Investigators are continuing to investigate to determine which, if any domestic canines in the area may have attacked Hamilton,” said a release.
Hamilton is an English teacher at Pungo Christian Academy, which reported on its Facebook page that Hamilton was in intensive care and visitors were not being allowed.
“We continue to discover how devastating Mrs. Hamilton’s injuries are. Please keep praying for Mrs. Hamilton and her family as they make difficult decisions in the coming days,” said a Sunday Facebook post by the school.

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article226423575.html
 
How horrible! This article is rather confusing. They say it wasn't a wild animal but don't really say it was a canid. But instead say this:

But now deputies say test results from DNA evidence found on her clothing do not differentiate between wild K9s, such as wolves or coyotes, and domesticated dogs.

Deputies are now collecting DNA from dogs in the area for additional testing.


So, it's a dog? There have been several attacks on people walking and running by pit bull-type dogs in the U.S. Because they have such a strong and nasty bite, the injuries are much worse than a typical dog attack.
 
I've not yet seen any report that describes the injuries to Ms. Hamilton. The most recent news - that the authorities seem to be tilting toward a canine attack - would seem to suggest bites were involved. However, I've seen nothing that specifically mentions (e.g.) bites versus claw marks.
 
I've not yet seen any report that describes the injuries to Ms. Hamilton. The most recent news - that the authorities seem to be tilting toward a canine attack - would seem to suggest bites were involved. However, I've seen nothing that specifically mentions (e.g.) bites versus claw marks.
That's understandable. But the framing as a "mystery animal" is problematic if they really suspect dog, pack of feral dogs, etc. Tough to report on such a thing and not terrify the locals in some way.
 
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