Florida Raccoons Cause Overnight Chaos at Merritt Island Home
A Merritt Island family woke up to quite a surprise when a group of raccoons invaded their home early Sunday morning, leaving behind a trail of overturned bowls, scattered food, and startled pets.
Cats Frightened, Jacuzzi Overtaken
Richard and his wife discovered the commotion only after reviewing their home surveillance footage. What they saw shocked them: multiple raccoons roaming freely through their property. Some were on the steps, others were splashing in the jacuzzi, and several were spotted slipping in and out of the screened porch.“Our cats were terrified,” Richard said. “They ate all the cat food that was left out for them and knocked over every water bowl. My wife counted eight raccoons at one point—that’s a lot of raccoons.”
Health Concerns and Safety Worries
While the mess was inconvenient, Richard admitted his larger concern was the safety of his grandchildren, who were visiting at the time. “Wild raccoons can carry diseases like rabies,” he explained. “You don’t know where they’ve been or what they’ve been exposed to, and the fact that they made it into our home was concerning.”
Authorities Contacted After Invasion
Richard said he immediately reached out to several agencies, including 911, the Florida Wildlife Commission, and Brevard County Animal Services. He also noted that neighbors in the area have reported similar issues with raccoons, suggesting this may be part of a larger problem in the community.
Securing the Home After the Incident
The family believes the raccoons entered through the cat doors. Richard has since installed sliding covers to block entry points and even slept on the couch afterward to make sure the animals didn’t return.“We’ll be taking extra precautions moving forward,” he said. “We love our pets, but we don’t want raccoons helping themselves inside again.”
Local wildlife experts recommend residents secure food sources, close off pet entryways at night, and contact authorities if raccoon activity becomes persistent.
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Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany