A furry intruder caused quite the commotion at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Monday morning. A raccoon, apparently feeling adventurous, decided to take a tumble from the ceiling at a Spirit Airlines gate, sending travelers into a frenzy.
The chaotic scene was captured on video and shared on social media, showing the raccoon clinging precariously to a cable hanging from the ceiling. As it lost its grip and plummeted to the floor, confused and startled passengers could be heard shrieking.
The raccoon, clearly disoriented, scampered around the gate for about five minutes before airport crews intervened and ushered it outside.
“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,” Spirit Airlines said in a statement.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the airport, confirmed the incident, stating it occurred around 8 a.m. “The raccoon was safely located and released outside, with no further sightings reported,” the Port Authority said. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.
To prevent future wildlife intrusions, airport staff are working closely with a professional wildlife control company to thoroughly inspect the area, identify any potential entry points, and implement appropriate preventative measures. Ongoing inspections and follow-up efforts are in place to ensure passenger safety and prevent similar incidents.
This unusual incident highlights the importance of robust wildlife control measures at airports, especially considering the potential for disruption and safety concerns. It remains to be seen what steps the airport will take to address the issue and prevent future encounters with uninvited guests.
