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Crazy squirrel attacks residents of Vermont

by Justin Delaney (RSS feed) on Mar 17th 2011 at 12:01PM

In Bennington, Vermont, a gray squirrel has been terrorizing locals with his own brand of march madness. Perhaps harboring a vendetta against humans or possibly mad from rabies, the squirrel has attacked at least three separate people. The attacks have been described as an unprovoked flurry of scratching and biting.

The "Beast of Benington" attacked one resident, Kevin McDonald, while he was innocently shoveling snow in his front yard. According to the Bennington Banner, the squirrel jumped McDonald from behind, scratching at his back until being thrown off. The persistent squirrel came back for two rounds before McDonald retreated to his home and the squirrel disappeared into a nearby tree.

The next day, he saw his neighbor battling the same rodent with a metal pole and a blanket.

The local Game Warden has visited with several of the squirrel assault victims and reported that a woman that was bitten on the back of her neck will undergo a series of rabies vaccinations.

If your travels take you to Bennington, beware this hostile creature.

flickr image via bobolink

Filed under: Stories, North America, United States, News, Travel Health, Consumer Activism, Travel Security

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

Banff_Squirrel Mar 17th 2011 2:37PM

In all the excitement, they must have missed the Squirrel's "Free Hugs" sign...

Secret Asian Man Mar 18th 2011 1:22AM

Wow, that squirrel is nuts....

urnutstoo Mar 18th 2011 6:34AM

He was trying to crack a few nuts

Larry Mar 18th 2011 7:27AM

He probably is in one of those unions and the taxpayers cut off his free ride.

oscar Mar 18th 2011 9:14AM

and i bet you have tiny nuts like a squirrel ya dank!

Mernie Mar 21st 2011 5:17AM

At least HE knows how to apply for a job!

vinkbear Mar 18th 2011 7:07AM

This city needs a hero. Is there not a 12 year old boy in the shire armed with a bb gun? One or two virtually silent shots later..... problem solved. Before the PETA folks attack, I like fuzzy li'l critters as much as the next person, but I draw the line when the animals repeatedly attack humans. That suggests rabies or some weird mental defect. Either way, the squirrel needs to be put down before he infects someone or attacks a little kid and causes some real damage. The squirrel population will not suddenly become endangered because of the loss of a rogue. If he's attacking humans, he's likely attacking other animals as well, so killing him is doing a favor to the rest of the furrys out there.

Larry Mar 18th 2011 7:35AM

Rabies or some weird mental problem that likes to attack people????????? Sounds like a liberal squirrel.

Jeff Mar 18th 2011 8:26AM

Larry, It's in Vermont! The second largest Liberal cesspool in the country, second only to California. Of course it's a Liberal Squirrel. 95% Liberal squirrels here.

Tholzel Mar 18th 2011 9:47AM

Unfortunately, a BB gun is not nearly powerful enough to kill (or even injure) those tough tree rats. you really need a proper pellet air gun. RWS, Beeman make fine hunting air rifles, ideally with at least 20 Lbs-ft muzzle energy.

PLACEDORDERS Mar 18th 2011 10:06AM

A BB gun will not take out a squirl. They are very tough and strong. But a 22 would do fine. If the neighbors wouldn't complain I'd just shoot it and be done. I suggest that the people carry a tennis racket. Light, fast and strong. I think we have a new sport. Squirlmitten.

Lips Mar 18th 2011 5:34PM

He needs to be caught alive so that he can be watched for rabies. Or at the very least killed in a human way that preserves the head so that it can be sent off for rabies testing. A kid with a BB gun my ruin that chance. But I do agree the squirrel does need to be put down one way or another. Before someone, most likely a child, is seriously injured. For example a bite or a scratch on an eye could blind someone.

Arene Mar 18th 2011 1:10PM

I'm with you. It's time to pick him off.

Bill Mar 18th 2011 7:23AM

I think I can help, in this situation. I have extensive training as a Squirrel Whisperer. Fear not, Bennington.

jb Mar 18th 2011 8:02AM

Have you ever noticed that the people in Bennington have Heads shaped like Big Walnuts !

dtft235 Mar 18th 2011 8:46AM

I think it's the in-breeding that's run rampant up there for some time now.
AND I DON"T MEAN THE SQUIRRELS EITHER !
It's "LIBERAL" in-breds that you have to watch out for !

Angie Mar 18th 2011 8:07AM

I"M NOT SAYIN' I know what's going on here. But he could have been someone's pet. He's not afraid of people and perhaps jumping on them was a behavior he learned. I had a pet squirrel when I was young. FYI, squirrels ALMOST NEVER carry rabies. They live in trees, and rarely come into contact with animals that mainly forage and live on ground, like skunks and raccoons, who are the main carriers of the disease. My source of info: the local wildlife and game dept, and state dept of health.

Trapper John Mar 18th 2011 9:59AM

I was told a vey long time ago that rabies is extrememly rare in non-meat eating animals. However, there have been incidents of bubonic plague being carried by wild squirrels. So, lets not get squirrely(sp?) about this, eh!? They should trap this little bugger and see what his problem is. It ain't exactly brain surgery to trap a squirrel.