There's an Angry Squirrel in NYC and It's Already Attacked at Least Five People

Brooklyn, NYC is facing a true code red crisis at this moment: They've got a predatory squirrel on the loose.

Long have squirrels terrorised the residents of New York City, but this time, it's gotten particularly vicious.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in New York City has issued a press release outlining five attacks by a potentially rabid squirrel that occurred over a three-day period last week.

Imagine sitting in a sunny park in Brooklyn, enjoying a carefully planned picnic and watching families of squirrels skip on by when, suddenly, one rogue squirrel breaks formation and runs directly at your idyllic scene, and takes a squirrel-sized chomp right into your flesh. 

That's probably what happened to at least one of the victims, surely.

"This animal has exhibited extremely unusual behaviour and we are urging anyone who has been bitten by it, including any pets, to go and see your doctor or veterinarian," said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett in the press release.

"Most squirrel bites occur when someone attempts to feed the animal. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed wild animals."

Sadly, the squirrel is likely dead already, due to rabies being a horrible disease that causes aggression in animals and a relatively quick death.

Since New York State began surveilling incidences of rabies among its animal population in 1992, there have been no cases of squirrels contracting the disease.

But squirrels, rabid or not, aren't always the cute, innocent creatures they show themselves to be. I now present to you, a selection of GIFs I've entitled: When Squirrels Attack!

Pin this tab right now, so the next time you see those adorable-yet-deadly creatures and want to get an über-cute selfie with them, you remember those terrifying GIFs.

Photo: iStock / Student Edge