Residents of San Rafael, California, are on high alert after a squirrel attacked multiple people, sending at least two victims to the emergency room. Local officials say public feeding of wildlife may be behind the unusual aggression.
The Attacks
Marin Humane confirmed that the attacks took place in the Lucas Valley area, describing them as rare and alarming for a wild squirrel. “When wildlife is fed by humans, they can lose their natural fear and act more emboldened. This is why we remind people that feeding wildlife can have negative consequences—for both people and the animals,” said Lisa Bloch, director of marketing and communications at Marin Humane.
One resident, Joan Heblack, told ABC News she was blindsided by the animal while walking. “I didn’t see him running up to me at all,” she recalled. “It clamped onto my leg. The tail was flying up here. I was like, ‘Get it off me, get off me!’ I didn’t want to touch it.” Heblack’s injuries required emergency room treatment.
Another victim, Isabel Camppy, said her arm was left bloodied after the squirrel attempted to attack her face. “My arm was completely bloodied up,” Camppy explained, adding that the animal’s aggression caught her off guard.
Wider Concerns
Flyers have been posted around the neighborhood warning residents about the squirrel’s behavior. The notices stated that at least five more people have also been attacked by the animal, heightening concerns that the situation could escalate further if the animal is not captured or relocated. Authorities are urging residents to avoid feeding wildlife and to report any aggressive encounters immediately. They warn that squirrels who lose their natural fear of humans can quickly become dangerous and difficult to manage..
