DENR Traps and Euthanises Escaped Raccoon After Container Arrival
Summary
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) responded on 13 April 2026 to an escaped raccoon in the Addendum Lane area of Pembroke. The raccoon had arrived in Bermuda inside a shipping container from Hamilton Commercial Docks and was located under a dumpster before being successfully trapped. Given Bermuda's lack of native raccoon populations and the biosecurity risks posed by diseases such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, the animal will be humanely euthanised.
What changed
DENR Animal Wardens and the Government Veterinarian responded to an escaped raccoon that arrived in Bermuda via shipping container. The raccoon was successfully trapped after being reported by members of the public. The department emphasises that raccoons can carry serious zoonotic diseases including rabies and raccoon roundworm that are not present in Bermuda.
Importers, shipping agents, and the public should remain vigilant when opening containers and report any unusual animal sightings to DENR at 236-4201. This incident highlights the biosecurity risks associated with importing animals not native to Bermuda and underscores the importance of immediate reporting to prevent potential environmental and public health impacts.
What to do next
- Report unusual animal sightings to DENR immediately at 236-4201
- Remain vigilant when opening shipping containers
- Contact DENR if you observe animals escaping from containers
Archived snapshot
Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
DENR Responds Swiftly to Imported Raccoon Incident
14 April, 2026
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) advises that its Animal Wardens and the Government Veterinarian responded on Monday, 13 April, to an incident involving a raccoon that escaped from a shipping container after it was opened in the Addendum Lane area in Pembroke.
The animal had recently arrived in Bermuda inside a container transported from the Hamilton Commercial Docks.
After being notified at approximately 3.00 p.m., DENR personnel attended the scene, located the raccoon hiding under a large dumpster, and successfully trapped it.
The Department thanks the members of the public who assisted by reporting the animal’s location and helping to partially contain it until officers arrived. Their prompt action contributed to a safe and successful response.
As Bermuda does not have a native raccoon population, the importation of this animal presented a serious biosecurity concern.
DENR emphasises that raccoons can carry a range of diseases and parasites that pose a risk to people, pets, livestock, and wildlife.
These include serious zoonotic threats such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, as well as other infectious diseases and parasites that are not present in Bermuda.
In keeping with the need to protect Bermuda’s environment, animal health, and public health, the raccoon will be humanely euthanised.
The Department reminds importers, shipping agents, and members of the public to remain vigilant when opening containers and to report any unusual animal sightings immediately to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on 236-4201.
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Contact Information
Ministry of Public Works and Environment
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Mailing Address
P.O. Box HM 834
Hamilton HM CX
Bermuda
Department main telephone: 441-236-4201 Send us an email
Veterinary Services:
441-246-7588
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