The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) advises that its Animal Wardens and the Government Veterinarian responded on Monday, 13 April, to an incident involving a raccoon that escaped from a shipping container after it was opened in the Addendum Lane area in Pembroke.

The animal had recently arrived in Bermuda inside a container transported from the Hamilton Commercial Docks.

After being notified at approximately 3.00 p.m., DENR personnel attended the scene, located the raccoon hiding under a large dumpster, and successfully trapped it.

The Department thanks the members of the public who assisted by reporting the animal’s location and helping to partially contain it until officers arrived. 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 emphasises that raccoons can carry a range of diseases and parasites that pose a risk to people, pets, livestock, and wildlife.

These include serious zoonotic threats such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, as well as other infectious diseases and parasites that are not present in Bermuda.

In keeping with the need to protect Bermuda’s environment, animal health, and public health, the raccoon will be humanely euthanised.

The Department reminds 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 of Environment and Natural Resources on 236-4201.