Overview

• Katharine VanBuskirk, 69, fought off a raccoon in her Somerville backyard despite having one arm in a sling and sustained multiple bites and scratches.
• She received immunoglobulin, a course of antibiotics, and has begun a multi-dose rabies vaccination regimen at Mount Auburn Hospital.
• A neighbor reported seeing a raccoon with four cubs nearby, and officials say defensive behavior by mother raccoons can lead to rare aggressive encounters.
• Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife urges residents to secure compost bins, garbage and pet food to minimize risks of nighttime wildlife attacks.
• VanBuskirk’s two spaniels were unhurt, and she has moved her compost bin away from her deck to deter raccoon visits.