Raccoon Causes Stir at LaGuardia Airport's Spirit Airlines Gate

A raccoon unexpectedly fell from the ceiling near Spirit Airlines at LaGuardia, prompting swift action and viral attention.

The incident occurred on November 4, 2024, around 8 a.m. at the Marine Air Terminal, a historic section of LaGuardia Airport.
A bystander captured the raccoon's fall on video, which quickly went viral on social media, raising questions about airport security and infrastructure.
No injuries were reported as the raccoon was safely captured and released outside the airport, with no further sightings since.
The Port Authority confirmed that Spirit Airlines is working with a professional wildlife control company to address the situation and prevent future incidents.
The Marine Air Terminal's historic status complicates repairs and updates, potentially contributing to the structural issue that allowed the raccoon entry.