Bloodthirsty Squirrel Terrorizes California Neighborhood, Sending 2 to the ER

A golden-colored squirrel in Lucas Valley, a California neighborhood north of San Francisco, has attacked at least five residents this month, sending two to the emergency room, authorities said. ABC7 reported the incidents have rattled a community as neighbors circulated a flyer warning others to beware of the aggressive animal.

Isabel Campoy, one of the victims, said the attack occurred while she was walking last week. She described the squirrel leaping toward her face and leaving her with deep scratches and bruising that required treatment at a local hospital.

Another neighbor, Joan Heblack, said the squirrel pounced on her during a morning stroll, clamping onto her leg as the tail whipped around. She recalled trying to shake the animal free and described the moment as frightening and sudden.

Neighbors have also circulated a flyer warning, reading "Attack squirrel beware!!!!!!!!" with emphasis intended to deter others from approaching the animal. The flyer underscores that residents consider the episode no joke and that the animal may be aggressive.

Experts offered context for the behavior. Vanessa Potter from WildCare in San Rafael suggested that the squirrel may be territorial and motivated by food, noting that when wild animals associate people with food, they can become less wary and more confrontational when seeking sustenance.

As of Monday, there had been no sign of the animal in several days, and residents said they hoped it had left the area. Local officials have not issued a broader advisory, but neighbors remain vigilant and cautious in the mornings and evenings as they pass through the neighborhood.

The sequence of events began last week, according to reports, with a number of incidents that included biting and scratching. The attacks appear to have occurred in residential blocks around Lucas Valley, a community in San Rafael that sits across the bay from San Francisco. Residents have described the animal as having golden fur and a bold, fearless demeanor, and they have reported multiple sightings along sidewalks and walking paths.

Local observers have emphasized the need for caution near wildlife and the importance of not feeding animals, which can inadvertently encourage aggressive behavior. The community has asked neighbors to avoid provoking the animal and to report any additional sightings to local authorities.

While the specific origin of the attacks remains under review, watchers note that aggressive urban wildlife can arise when animals are habituated to human contact or when food resources become scarce. Wildlife experts stress that residents should maintain a safe distance from any wild animal showing aggressive behavior and to contact local animal control if attacks recur.