Unusually Aggressive Squirrel Has Attacked and Sent Two People to the Hospital In Marin County

"There were two separate squirrel-on-human attacks in Marin County's Lucas Valley the weekend before last, on both Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14. In both separate cases, women were attacked and bitten by the squirrel while walking through their neighborhood. While both squirrel attack victims were sent to the hospital and examined, neither was required to stay in the hospital."

"The squirrel has a particular coloring. He's kind of a caramel color or a golden color and that's a little bit more unique. The squirrel will go up to a human assuming they're going to get fed and then, because the human might react, understandably, in a defensive way or angry way, the squirrel can get frustrated. That can lead to the squirrel lashing out."

Two separate squirrel attacks occurred in Lucas Valley on consecutive days, September 13 and 14, with two women bitten while walking in their neighborhood. Both victims were taken to the hospital for examination but were not admitted. Marin Humane and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife believe the same unusually colored, caramel or golden squirrel is responsible for both incidents. Officials say people feeding the animal likely reduced its fear of humans and encouraged aggressive behavior when expected food was not provided. Feeding wildlife can produce dangerous outcomes for people and animals alike.

Read at sfist.com