Residents of Lucas Valley, California, are on high alert after a squirrel attacked at least five people, sending two to the emergency room. Witnesses say the animal leapt at unsuspecting victims, biting and scratching before disappearing into the trees.
Two Hospitalized After Surprise Attacks
Isabel Campoy was walking through the Bay Area neighborhood last week when the squirrel suddenly launched at her face. “I was full of blood and I ran to the emergency room,” Campoy told ABC7 News. She suffered deep gashes on her forearm that required hospital treatment.
Another neighbor, Joan Heblack, faced a similar encounter. “It clamped onto my leg. The tail was flying up here,” she said, gesturing to her chest. Heblack described frantically trying to shake the animal off while calling for help.
Community Issues Warning
Neighbors believe the same golden-colored squirrel is behind at least three other incidents. A flyer now posted around the community reads, “Attack squirrel beware. This is not a joke.” The alert urges residents to stay cautious during walks and avoid feeding wildlife.
Experts Point to Human Interaction
Vanessa Potter of WildCare, a wildlife rescue organization in nearby San Rafael, explained that squirrels can become aggressive when they associate humans with food. “They will look for food. If they don’t get it, there can be frustrations. They can be territorial of their space,” Potter said.
Neighborhood on Edge
Residents have not seen the animal in several days, but the attacks left many shaken. “It was very scary,” Heblack said. Authorities advise avoiding contact with wild animals and reporting any aggressive behavior to local animal control.
The sudden series of California squirrel attacks is a reminder of how feeding wildlife or leaving food outdoors can create unexpected dangers for people and animals alike.
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