When Squirrels Attack: A Town’s Bizarre Brush with Wildlife

It sounds like something from a cartoon, but for several people in San Rafael, California, it was all too real. In a strange and alarming turn of events, a brown squirrel reportedly attacked five people—sending two of them to the hospital.

The incidents happened on separate days, but all followed a similar pattern. Victims were simply out for a walk when the squirrel leapt at them—clinging to legs, arms, and even going for their faces. One woman suffered deep cuts on her arms, requiring medical attention.

Animal experts say attacks like this are extremely rare. Squirrels are usually shy around people and quick to run up a tree when approached. But in this case, the squirrel appeared unusually bold and aggressive.

Officials from Marin Humane, a local animal protection group, believe the squirrel may have been fed by humans. Others suspect the animal was raised by people and then released, without the skills needed to survive in the wild. If that’s the case, the squirrel may have associated humans with food and approached them in desperation.

While the idea of a rogue squirrel sounds comical, the injuries were serious—and the behavior highly unusual. Wildlife experts say that squirrels do not carry rabies, which ruled out one common fear. Still, when wild animals lose their fear of humans, it can lead to dangerous encounters.

Feeding wildlife may seem kind, but it can do more harm than good. Animals that rely on handouts may stop foraging naturally and become aggressive when food is not provided. This can lead to situations like the one in San Rafael, where a wild animal behaves in ways it normally wouldn’t.

Since the string of attacks, no new incidents have been reported. Some locals believe the squirrel may have died, while others wonder if it simply moved on.

For now, the mystery remains. Was this a one-time case of a hungry, confused animal? Or a reminder that even the cutest wildlife can become dangerous under the wrong circumstances?

Either way, experts are urging people not to feed squirrels or other wild animals—and to give them space. Wild animals belong in the wild, and keeping a safe distance helps protect both people and the creatures themselves.