The raccoons of southwest Richmond are at it again and this time it appears as if dogs are on the menu.
Over the last few weeks, the News has reported how packs of raccoons have apparently been hunting, killing and even eating domestic cats.
Now there are reports that dogs are next on the list in the neighbourhood known as The Springs just north of Steveston.
A Chihuahua, sitting in his yard waiting to go for a walk, was almost dragged away by the leg by a hungry raccoon last week.
It only survived after its owner ran out and beat the raccoon off with a broom.
I suspect this is not a defensive thing as is being said by the wildlife experts, said Sandra Nixon, whose family cat of 14 years, Avro, was attacked and killed by raccoons earlier this month outside their Springmont Drive home.
This seems to be more like hunting for food and attacking animals to get that food.
Maybe people are being more diligent with their garbage and the raccoons are going hungry? Has their main food source been taken away?
The dog survived the attack and had its wounds stitched up by a vet.
But Nixon said many people in their neighbourhood are now living in fear of the raccoons, who are getting braver by the day.
I know of adults around here now who dont go out at night for a walk anymore and were bringing our children inside before it gets dark, she said.
I know that I wouldnt go out for a walk at night around here. I would not want to run into (these raccoons) thats for sure.
It seems like theyre terrorizing the neighbourhood
Wildlife experts in B.C. have said such attacks on domestic cats are rare, but admitted that raccoons will eat whatever food they can get their hands on. They also urged cat owners to keep their pets indoors at night.
Now cat owners are wondering if the City of Richmond should be stepping in to protect the areas pets from the rogue raccoons.
The city call these animals pests, but were all wondering if there really is a danger, Nixon added.
What has to happen before its treated as a danger?
Ive been here for eight years and this is the first time weve experienced this.
