A furious squirrel has landed two individuals in hospital following attacks on numerous others, prompting authorities to issue a stark public warning.
Locals in a San Francisco Bay Area community have been advised to remain vigilant for a wild rodent that strikes without warning to inflict havoc.
Speaking to KGO-TV, Joan Heblack revealed she was taking a leisurely walk through the Lucas Valley district of San Rafael when the squirrel began assaulting her leg.
Heblack recalled: “It clamped onto my leg. The tail was flying up here. I was like, ‘Get it off me, get off me!'”
Fellow resident Isabel Campoy described being savaged whilst strolling through the identical location, reports the Daily Star.
The vicious creature propelled itself from the pavement straight up towards her face before proceeding to bite her arm, leaving it bloodied, she explained.
Both ladies required hospital treatment, the television network reported.
Warning notices have been distributed throughout the neighbourhood, alerting inhabitants that the beast has now targeted over five individuals.
The creature has been branded a “very mean squirrel” that “comes out of nowhere” like a ninja.
Animal welfare specialist Lisa Bloch stated that should the menacing squirrel resurface, she would liaise with state officials to ensure its removal.
“We’ve seen this kind of behaviour before,” she said.
“It’s almost always because someone has been feeding the animal.”
Pest UK warns: “Grey squirrels become aggressive if they feel threatened, so if you catch a squirrel, or think you have a squirrel infestation, contact a professional pest control company rather than trying to deal with the problem yourself”.
When it comes to human encounters, these squirrels can be quite perilous. Not only is a bite from a squirrel excruciatingly painful, but it also poses indirect health and safety risks by potentially spreading diseases like Lyme disease through ticks.
In terms of defence, while these creatures may appear fierce – they’re actually rather docile. The most effective strategy might be to shake one off or even run away if they latch onto you.
Moreover, if the bite is deep, seeking medical attention is advised. The NHS website suggests steps to prevent infection, such as thoroughly cleaning the bite and pressing the wound to encourage bleeding.
At the hospital, the medical team will: “clean the bite thoroughly – if the wound is very dirty, some of the affected area may need to be removed to reduce the risk of infection. Close the wound with stitches, sticky strips or special glue, or leave it open to heal.”
