Pit bulls, birds, and soldiers stationed at Fort Lewis aren't the only animals we have to worry about.

A 200-pound chimpanzee kept as a pet attacked and seriously injured a woman visiting a Stamford, Conn., home Monday, the police said.

The chimpanzee, named Travis, who had appeared in television commercials, was shot and killed by an officer when he charged the police and cornered that officer in his cruiser, the police said. The injured woman was hospitalized late Monday in very serious condition at Stamford Hospital. Her identity was not released.

Sandra Herold, the owner of the 15-year-old chimpanzee, wrestled with the animal as it mauled her friend, then ran inside to call 911.

“She retrieved a large butcher knife and stabbed her longtime pet numerous times in an effort to save her friend, who was really being brutally attacked,” Captain Conklin said. The woman suffered “a tremendous loss of blood” from serious facial injuries, he said.

Thanks to Slog tipper Al.