‘Bold’ raccoon’s biting spree prompts warning at University of Texas. ‘Do not approach’
Safety officials at a Texas university are warning students to stay away from a raccoon on campus after multiple were bitten by the wily creature.
“Recently, we have seen an increase of incidents involving raccoons and the UT student population,” University of Texas at Austin Campus Safety officials wrote in a statement.
Interactions between students and the raccoons led to three students being bitten, the statement said. The students each received rabies vaccinations “as a precautionary measure.”
“For your safety, do not approach, feed, pet/attempt to pet or harass raccoons,” the office warned.
According to the statement, one raccoon in particular is causing a ruckus on campus. The raccoon is thought to be sheltering in place around the McCombs School of Business building.
“It is likely that the raccoon may feel threatened by close contact, especially if they have babies nearby,” the statement said.
The campus safety office said the raccoon may be feeling “bolder” because humans have been feeding it.
Officials told people on campus to steer clear of raccoons and other wildlife and not interact with them.
“Please do not attempt to feed raccoons or any wildlife on campus,” officials said.
