Staten Island Chuck Bites Bloomberg, Draws Blood

Mayor Bloomberg speaks at Groundhog Day festivities at the Staten Island Zoo. February 02, 2009 (Photo Credit: Spencer T Tucker)

Mayor Michael Bloomberg was bitten by a ground hog during a ceremony at the Staten Island Zoo Monday morning.

Bloomberg spoke to the media about the incident later that day, suggesting that Chuck very well could be a 'terrorist rodent' agent.

The city's prognosticating rodent, Charles G. Hogg, also known as Staten Island Chuck, bit through Bloomberg's glove when the mayor was trying to coax the animal into view with an ear of corn.

Mayor Bloomberg speaks at Groundhog Day festivities at the Staten Island Zoo. February 02, 2009 (Photo Credit: Spencer T Tucker)

'It nicked his hand,' said Bloomberg spokesman Stu Loeser.

The mayor, who is left-handed, used a napkin to wrap the cut until he could check with his doctor about further treatment. He was told there was no risk of rabies because the 2-year-old animal was born and raised in captivity and has had no interaction with other animals.

Mayor Bloomberg speaks at Groundhog Day festivities at the Staten Island Zoo. February 02, 2009 (Photo Credit: Spencer T Tucker)