http://eagletimes.villagesoup.com/p/unruly-raccoon-in-downtown-springfield/1229865
Unruly raccoon in downtown Springfield
Aug 22, 2014
1
To the Editor:
On Aug. 18, in the parking lot across from where I live, appeared a sick and skinny raccoon. I noticed the animal just as a "town truck" was passing.
Instead of ignoring it and driving by, two town employees stopped the truck, got out, and took charge of the situation. The parking lot was very busy with Perkins Deli customers at the time.
They called the police, warned customers and kept the poor animal within their sights.
Within minutes the police were there. They blocked the sidewalk so people walking up or down Valley St. would not run into the sick — possibly rabid — raccoon.
Eventually the animal crawled up the stairs of the gold house next to the parking lot, followed by a police officer with a rifle. The animal had to be put down.
It was so sick that it was almost unrecognizable.
Although I felt sorry for the animal, I was so impressed with the swift and well coordinated actions of our town's employees in this situation.
Way to go and thanks!
LA Brown
Springfield
