LaGuardia Airport: Raccoon falls through ceiling
A recent incident at LaGuardia Airport in New York left travellers startled when a raccoon fell from the ceiling at a gate before boarding their plane. The chaotic scene was captured on video and shared on social media, showing the raccoon clinging onto a cable hanging from the ceiling before running across the floor, causing confusion and screeches from onlookers.
Spirit Airlines, the airline operating at the gate, responded promptly to the situation by notifying the facilities team and enlisting the help of a professional wildlife control company. The raccoon was safely located and released outside without any injuries reported. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that ongoing inspections and precautions are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Redevelopment and Raccoon Incidents
LaGuardia Airport underwent a major redevelopment plan costing $8 billion, transforming its infrastructure and reputation. While the new Terminals B and C have received accolades for their modern design, the original Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, remains unchanged and is exclusively used by Spirit Airlines.
This incident is not the only one involving raccoons causing a stir this year. In a separate incident, a raccoon interrupted a soccer game in Pennsylvania, leading to a humorous chase by stadium staff. In Germany, raccoons are considered an invasive species, with efforts to control their population including innovative solutions such as turning them into meat products.
The raccoon encounter at LaGuardia Airport serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of proper wildlife control measures in airport facilities. Despite the unexpected visitor, airport staff and authorities handled the situation efficiently, ensuring the safety of passengers and preventing any harm from occurring.
