The psychologist also suffered bites to the abdomen and right arm; case occurred at Praia da Lagoinha do Leste, in Florianópolis
Psychologist and writer Fabiana Lenz, 32, continues to recover after being attacked by a capybara while diving in the lagoon at Praia da Lagoinha do Leste, in Florianópolis. The case occurred in early December. She suffered bites to her abdomen, buttocks and right arm. According to Fabiana, the attack lasted a few seconds, but was enough to cause serious injuries. She received 19 stitches in her abdomen and some of the injuries could not be sutured due to the risk of infection. “My intestine was missed by millimeters. I had the nerve in my leg exposed and I almost lost mobility.”
The woman said she had been camping in the region for two days and decided to go into the water for one last swim before leaving. Upon emerging, he felt a strong impact on his abdomen and initially believed he had hit a log. Then the capybara attacked her again and ripped off part of her right buttock. Her boyfriend, who was nearby, entered the water when he heard her screams and managed to pull her out.
The couple called for help, and Fabiana was rescued by the Arcanjo helicopter, from the Military Fire Department, and taken to the Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital. At the hospital, he underwent tests, CT scans, received anti-rabies vaccines and started a protocol with antibiotics, painkillers and antivirals. She was released on the same day and remains at home, resting, with reduced mobility, undergoing dressings and medical monitoring.
In a statement, the Municipal Environmental Foundation (Floram) stated that the attack is an isolated case and that episodes of this type are rare. According to the agency, the reaction may have occurred because the capybara was caught in the water, an environment used by the species as a refuge and for reproduction. Floram emphasized that this is not predatory behavior, as the capybara is a herbivorous animal.
Despite more frequent sightings, the foundation reported that there is no overpopulation of capybaras in Florianópolis. The animal is native to the region and has occupied natural and urban areas due to the absence of natural predators.
*Report produced with the help of AI
