While a CNN reporter thought he would soon go live in front of the White House, local raccoons had other plans! Just before speaking to thousands, this anchor needed to fend off an attack!
Interrupted By Racoons
Apparently, raccoons have started to become a problem at the White House. In fact, some reports say the problems have been growing for some time. But apparently, no one told CNN’s Washington D.C. correspondent Joe Johns.
As Johns stood in front of the White House, he thought everything was fine. However, just seconds before going live, the cameraman told the anchor that some raccoons had formed a pack behind him. Then, the animals started to encroach, closer and closer! In a frantic attempt to shoo them away, Johns screamed, “Get!” at them. Still, the raccoons continued to approach! Next, the anchor took his clipboard and tried to wave them away – but it didn’t work!
It wasn’t until Johns made himself large and growled that the animals took off. Then the anchor still needed to go on air…
Not The First Anchor
During the interaction, only Johns’ reactions are visible. But it’s clear to see that the anchor felt shocked! However, he still managed to go live just seconds later on the show New Day. “Friggin’ raccoons, man. God! Again! It’s the second time! It always comes around right about when I’m gonna go on TV,” Johns said at the end of the funny video, chuckling at the absurd situation.
Believe it or not, Johns is not the first journalist attacked by the so-called “White House Racoons.” Another local reporter had an interaction with the creatures back in September. While they are not particularly aggressive, they have been known to tug at photographers’ pant legs often. According to wildlife rescues, the journalist did everything right when it comes to fending off raccoons. When met in the wild, a human should shout and growl, while making it clear you are bigger by waving your arms. If it doesn’t work, throw water or any other items in their direction. It’s also important to never feed raccoons, as they can become bold and try to approach other people to ask for food. Unfortunately, this can cause raccoons to become aggressive when they are not fed later on, prompting attacks.
The Animal Responds
Meanwhile, after Johns’ video went popular, someone decided to make an official Twitter account for one of the White House Raccoons. The bio clearly says that the animal hates “squirrels and Fake News.”
“Attacks will continue until you all get off my lawn,” reads one tweet. When someone wondered if raccoons could contract the coronavirus, the raccoon tweeted back, “No, I wear a mask.”
“How do you feel with the country now? Raccoons are running wild at the white house,” another user jokingly tweeted, to which the raccoon said, “Hey man I live there. You all are just visiting.” If you want to see more hysterical anchor bloopers, click “Next Post” below!
Sources: The Guardian, New York Post.