Travelers flying from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport were in for a surprise when a furry critter dropped from the ceiling near a Spirit Airlines gate.
According to reports from CNN and USA Today, a raccoon caused chaos at LaGuardia on Monday, Nov. 4, around 8 a.m., when it fell through a crack in the ceiling, hung from a wire, before tumbling to the terminal’s floor.
In a video shared to social media and provided to Storyful by traveler Rowan Danaher, passengers scream and call out, “Oh my god!” as the animal drops from the wire, hitting what looks to be a suitcase behind a divider on its way down.
“I guess they let anyone fly Spirit,” Danaher joked in the post’s caption.
The Marine Air Terminal, where Spirit Airlines is situated at LaGuardia, is the oldest section of the N.Y.C. airport and has reported structural problems in the past, according to local outlet Gothamist.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed to CNN that no injuries were reported in connection to the incident. There have been no other raccoon sightings at the terminal since Nov. 4.
“The raccoon was safely located and released outside, with no further sightings [reported],” the Port Authority told CNN.
“To ensure safety, airport staff is working closely with a professional wildlife control company to monitor the area, identify potential entry points, and implement necessary precautions,” the Port Authority added. “Ongoing inspections and follow-up efforts are in place to prevent further incidents.”
Rowan Danaher via Storyful
Spirit Airlines also commented on the viral incident, telling CNN: “To ensure a positive experience for our LGA Guests, we immediately notified the facilities team and are addressing the matter with a professional wildlife control company.”
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According to the New York City Health Department, raccoons live in all five boroughs of New York City and can carry infectious diseases, such as rabies and canine distemper virus. The city recommends that anyone who experiences an unwanted encounter with a raccoon should keep their distance and “never try to trap or catch a raccoon yourself.”
If a raccoon gets into an unwanted indoor space, the health department recommends making the environment uncomfortable for the animal by turning on flashing lights or playing loud music.
“If these methods do not work, you may need to find and hire a professionally licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator,” the city notes.
Additionally, the health department states that wild animals with rabies and canine distemper virus often appear sick or injured, may act lethargic, behave aggressively, or may act unusually friendly. Any human bitten by a raccoon is advised to wash the bite with soap and water, go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, and call 311 to report it.