HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) says a raccoon that escaped from a shipping container on Monday, which had recently arrived in Bermuda, will be humanely euthanized.
The Department thanked the members of the public who had trapped the animal until the authorities arrived, noting that their prompt action contributed to a safe and successful response.
“As Bermuda does not have a native raccoon population, the importation of this animal presented a serious biosecurity concern. DENR emphasizes that raccoons can carry a range of diseases and parasites that pose a risk to people, pets, livestock, and wildlife.
The Department said these include serious zoonotic threats such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, as well as other infectious diseases and parasites not present in Bermuda.
“In keeping with the need to protect Bermuda’s environment, animal health, and public health, the raccoon will be humanely euthanized,” the DENR said, reminding importers, shipping agents, and members of the public to remain vigilant when opening containers and to report any unusual animal sightings immediately to the Department.
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