Idaho
Idaho mother discovers infant being attacked by raccoon inside home in 'extremely rare' encounter
A bewildered mom happened upon her infant son being attacked by a raccoon that had snuck inside their Idaho home and successfully fended off the unlikely holiday visitor.
The mother called the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office Dec. 23 after she heard “a loud noise in the home” and discovered the raccoon attacking her baby boy, Idaho Fish and Game shared in a release.
Authorities said the mother managed to grab the furry intruder to save her son.
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Idaho Fish and Game said a wild raccoon snuck into a home and attacked an infant. (Idaho Fish and Game)
The infant was taken to the Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley for undisclosed injuries before being transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City.
According to officials, a sheriff’s deputy returned to the home with the baby’s father, located the animal and killed it.
IDFG noted it was unclear how the raccoon got inside the home and that there were no other raccoons inside.
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The animal’s carcass has since been tested for rabies by the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories, and tests were negative, the release said.
“Once notified of the incident, staff from the Magic Valley Region activated their Wildlife Human Attack Response Team,” the IDFG wrote. “This specially trained team of department staff has the responsibility to act to protect the safety of the public and incident responders; attempt to identify, locate, and control the animal(s) involved in a human-wildlife incident; and conduct, document and report investigative findings.”
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted to humans through the bite of a rabid animal. (iStock)
The agency noted that raccoon attacks on humans in the state are “extremely rare” and that there has only been one case of raccoon rabies documented in Idaho.
The IDFG instructed Idahoans to “never purposely feed a raccoon,” saying they generally avoid humans unless they feel “threatened.”
“As with all wildlife that can be found around homes in Idaho, the best course of action to avoid raccoon encounters is to take preventative actions before a problem starts,” the department wrote. “Raccoons can live in a variety of habitats, but an area with access to water and food will attract them.
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“A homeowner can limit food sources by securing residential garbage, removing any fallen fruit or rotten produce from your yard or garden, feeding pets indoors, keeping pet food securely stored, and removing or securing bird feeders,” IDFG added. “Blocking raccoon access to hiding places in sheds and outbuildings and sealing off potential entryways and exits in and around a home will also discourage raccoon use.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the IDFG for comment.
Idaho
No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend
IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.
According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.
Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.
NoKings.org
On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.
Idaho
Idaho Senate introduces new bill to give local municipalities authority to control rat populations
BOISE, Idaho — A new bill in the Idaho Senate aims to let local municipalities take action to control rat populations. This, after a previous bill to combat rat infestations across Idaho, died in the House.
Rats have been spreading throughout the Treasure Valley in recent years, but previous attempts at legislation to deal with the problem have failed.
WATCH: Senior Reporter Roland Beres provides an update on the new rat bill
New bill would allow local governments to combat rats
Residents in Eagle and Boise have been tracking an alarming rise in rat populations recently.
Rep. John Gannon (D – District 17) introduced new legislation today that would essentially permit local governments to act in order to control rat populations if they want to, without creating a mandate.
Gannon said some cities complained that they did not have the authority to do the job themselves.
The bill was introduced with a dose of humor.
“I’m going to support this. It’s very late in the session, but I think this might just squeak through,” said Sen. Ben Adams (R – District 12). “Well. Unless it encounters a trap along the way.”
ALSO READ | ‘I’ve never seen something that big’: Boise neighbors finding rats in their backyards
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Idaho
Penny Lee Brown Obituary March 25, 2026 – Eckersell Funeral Home
Penny Lee Brown, age 72, of Idaho Falls, formerly of Ririe, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.
Penny was born October 18, 1953, in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, a daughter to William and Luella Cooper Artemenko. She attended schools in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate from Eastern Idaho Technical College.
She married Donal A. Brown in Fort St. John, British Columbia. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events, puzzles, collecting cat memorabilia, crafting, baking, and caring for others.
She is survived by her husband Donal A. Brown, children: Jared Brown (Krystal) of Boise, Marcus Brown (Misty) of Weippe, Idaho, Scott Brown of Idaho Falls, Douglas Brown of Idaho Falls, Jamie Brown of Williston, North Dakota, Steven Brown (Claire) of Idaho Falls. A brother Kenneth Artemenko (Nancy) of White Horse, YK, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her Father William Artemenko and her mother Luela Cooper and a brother Levern Artemenko.
Funeral services will be held Monday March 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perry Ward Chapel 285 2nd West, Ririe, Idaho. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.
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