Massachusetts Woman Injured in Rare Raccoon Attack

Katharine VanBuskirk, a 69-year-old woman from Somerville, Massachusetts, was viciously attacked by a raccoon while letting her dogs outside around 1 a.m. She sustained multiple wounds, including deep gashes on her face, arms, and legs, and required treatment with rabies shots and antibiotics at Mount Auburn Hospital. Despite her recent shoulder surgery and having one arm in a sling, VanBuskirk fought off the aggressive animal, describing it as a 'monster' and 'a giant ball of viciousness' that attacked relentlessly from various angles. The raccoon was likely attracted to her compost bin, which she has since relocated away from her home, and neighbors reported sightings of a raccoon with cubs nearby, possibly explaining the animal's territorial behavior. Although traumatized, VanBuskirk holds no grudge against raccoons and urges others to be cautious around wildlife. Experts note raccoons are typically nocturnal and avoid humans but can become aggressive if cornered or threatened.