A Eldersberg, Maryland police officer is under fire for how he handled a groundhog that was holding up traffic. The animal kept walking in the street which resulted in the officer shooting it, per WBALTV.
The Sheriff’s Office said that on Liberty Road, the groundhog was trying to be directed off the road by the officer but as it started to move closer, it was shot due to safety concerns.
Residents in the area were concerned about the way the officer handled this situation and the Sheriff’s Office released a statement.
“He realized that it was not responding as expected for an animal that was not being cornered or trapped. Believing the groundhog to be either sick or injured, the deputy then put the animal down for the public’s safety.”
Karen Baker, executive director of the Carroll County Humane Society, discussed with WBALTV how unusual it is for an animal to run towards a person instead of away from them when it’s scared.
“Under normal circumstances, an animal will take its easiest route of escape when it’s threatened or frightened,” said Baker. “Normally, an animal will run from humans, especially if you’re making yourself large, you’re stomping your feet, you’re loud.”
Baker also noted what should be done in the case of an animal trying to attack a human.
“Get to safety, don’t turn your back to the animal,” said Baker. “Try and keep something in front of you. If there’s lawn furniture and you can grab a pillow, if you’re walking and you have a bag or backpack, you want to make sure you put that in front of you, give the animal something else to focus on or to bite other than yourself.”
Flip the page to see video of the graphic incident.