Submitted by Fox First at Ten on July 11th
LAKEWOOD, Wash. (AP) - A Lakewood, Wash., woman says she was chased and bitten by raccoons after her dog got loose and chased several of the animals up a tree.
Michaela Lee was headed home from a jog in Fort Steilacoom Park on Monday when her dog took off and chased the raccoons. When she went to grab the dog's leash, she says several other raccoons started to scratch her legs, chased her for about 75 feet, knocked her down and started biting her.
Neighbor Michael Parks tells The News Tribune he heard Lee screaming and saw her on the ground. He called 911. Two other neighbors also went to help. Lee says her American dingo dog began barking and helped drive the raccoons off.
The 28-year-old woman had numerous scratches and was treated for about 16 puncture wounds.
Lakewood police spokesman Chris Lawler says raccoon problems are rare in the area south of Tacoma. He says an Animal Control officer who investigated thinks the dog may have provoked the attack, with the raccoons just trying to protect their young.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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