by Queens, New York – Police in Queens shot and killed an “aggressive” raccoon this week after authorities say the animal charged toward a group of people on a boardwalk in the Belle Harbor neighborhood. The incident happened Thursday morning, and no human injuries were reported.
The shooting is now under review by the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division, which investigates cases where officers discharge their weapons.
Incident Overview
The encounter unfolded on a public boardwalk near Beach 121st Street and Ocean Promenade in Belle Harbor, where police responded to reports of a “vicious animal.” Officers said they attempted to guide the raccoon away safely, but the situation escalated quickly when the animal suddenly moved toward people.
According to police, an officer fired his weapon after the raccoon charged aggressively, striking the animal. Authorities said the raccoon was killed at the scene after being shot multiple times, while bystanders nearby were not harmed.
Timeline of Events
Police said they were called to the area at around 9 a.m. Thursday after receiving a report of a “vicious animal” on the boardwalk.
When officers arrived, they located the raccoon on the boardwalk and attempted to move it to a safer location. During that effort, police said the animal suddenly charged toward a group of people in an aggressive manner, prompting the officer to fire.
The raccoon was shot three times before collapsing and dying, according to video obtained by the outlet that reported the incident. Police confirmed there were no human injuries connected to the encounter.
Details From Police and Officials
The NYPD described the raccoon’s behavior as sudden and dangerous, saying the animal appeared to be threatening people nearby.
“While attempting to guide the racoon to a safe location, the animal suddenly charges towards a group of people in an aggressive manner,” the NYPD said in an email. “An officer discharged his firearm, striking the animal.”
Police also confirmed that the department’s internal review process is underway.
“The investigation remains ongoing by the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division,” cops said.
The Force Investigation Division is responsible for reviewing incidents involving officer firearm discharges, including the circumstances, decision-making, and whether department procedures were followed.
Public Safety Concerns and Rabies Questions
It was not immediately clear whether Animal Care Centers or another city agency would test the raccoon for rabies. While aggressive animal behavior can have multiple causes, public health officials often warn that sudden aggression in wild animals can be a possible sign of rabies, a viral infection that can be fatal if left untreated.
Rabies is most commonly transmitted through bites or saliva entering an open wound, and it can spread to humans and pets. Because raccoons are among the wild animals most frequently associated with rabies concerns in many parts of the U.S., incidents involving unusually bold or aggressive raccoon behavior often raise immediate questions about whether the animal was sick.
Even when there is no bite reported, experts generally advise people to take potential exposure seriously if there was close contact, especially if an animal acted erratically, appeared disoriented, or charged without provocation.
What Residents Should Do If They Encounter an Aggressive Wild Animal
Officials frequently advise the public not to approach or attempt to handle wild animals, especially if the animal appears aggressive, sick, or unusually unafraid of people. In many cases, attempting to move an animal without proper equipment can increase the risk of bites or scratches.
If a raccoon or other wild animal behaves aggressively in a public area, residents are typically urged to keep distance, warn others nearby, and contact authorities rather than intervening directly.
Basic safety steps that can reduce risk include:
- Keeping pets leashed and away from wildlife
- Avoiding feeding or approaching raccoons and stray animals
- Securing trash bins and outdoor food sources that attract raccoons
- Reporting animals that appear disoriented, foaming at the mouth, or acting unusually bold
If anyone is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, health officials recommend seeking medical attention immediately, as rabies prevention treatment is time-sensitive and may be needed even if the wound seems minor.
The incident remains under investigation by the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division as officials review the circumstances surrounding the officer’s firearm discharge.
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