An attack squirrel in California has put residents on alert after attacking them unprovoked. Two of the residents required immediate medical attention after sustaining serious injuries. In response to the attacks, flyers have been posted warning residents to be careful and be on the lookout for the squirrel’s presence. Further, wildlife experts have also warned people to be careful when feeding the squirrel.
Squirrel attack poses as a threat in California
Residents living in San Rafael, California, reported terrifying attacks they suffered at the hands of a goldfish-colored squirrel. More than five people were attacked, and two were sent to the ER to treat their injuries. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office couldn’t confirm the attacks upon being contacted by ABC News.
One resident, Joan Heblack, said the squirrel “clamped onto” her leg while she was on her morning walk through Lucas Valley. “The tail was flying up here, she added. “I was like, ‘Get it off me, get off me!’ I didn’t want to touch it.” She further stated that the squirrel “came out of nowhere” as she didn’t notice the creature approaching her. (via ABC 7)
The squirrel clawed and bit Heblack’s legs, resulting in injuries requiring medical attention from the ER. She called the attack “very scary,” wondering how one could get the squirrel off their leg.
Another resident, Isabel Campoy, shared that the squirrel followed her and her niece, Carmen — which she initially thought was “beautiful” until the creature almost killed her — while they were walking in the same area off Mount Lassen Drive. “Squirrel went from the floor tried to jump up to my face,” she explained. “I tried to protect my face, my arm was completely overcome by squirrel.”
She continued, “Finally it jumped off, by then I was full of blood, I run to the emergency room.” Carmen recalled saying “Oh my god,” when she saw the blood on her aunt’s arm.
Campoy has been trying to recover from her injuries. She noted her skin hurt when she touched it. “I am putting my best power and mind in order to say I’ll survive this,” she added.
In the wake of the squirrel attacks, flyers were posted, urging residents to take the matter seriously.
WildCare’s Vanessa Potter said that the squirrel attacks in San Rafael were “not unheard of.” She added that the animal was not a vector for rabies, reasoning that its aggressive behavior was the result of it being fed and cared for while young.
