Hamden

Raccoon Attacks 84-Year-Old Hamden Woman: Police

A raccoon attacked an 84-year-old woman in Hamden and the raccoon remains on the loose.

Police said they were called to a home on Vantage Road around 4 p.m. Monday.

The victim’s daughter told them a raccoon bit her mother. When police talked to the victim, she said she was gardening when the animal “attacked” her and bit her on the hand.

Police said the daughter fought the animal off with a hammer and prevented further injuries. The woman was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for medical treatment.

Neighbor Diane Brown says when she saw animal control, she called the family to see what happened. Brown says the daughter is thankful she was home when the attack happened and that the victim may need surgery along with rabies treatment.

“She said her mom was in good spirits and looking forward to getting to her gardening,” said Brown. “I just wish her a speedy recovery. I think she’s going to be fine.”

Hamden Police and Animal Control Officers searched the area, but did not find the raccoon.

The Hamden Police Department and Animal Control Division advise people not to feed raccoons, to keep garbage out of the reach of raccoons, avoid leaving pet food outside and to keep compost secure.

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