For decades, the Cayman Islands have been a hotly desired location. Since closing its borders amidst the coronavirus pandemic, many have gone to great lengths to find a way into the tropical paradise. Last Friday however, the attention of the island’s population became gripped by a couple’s daring attempt to smuggle themselves into the country concealed in a shipping container. What’s causing a real stink, is that the unlikely pair were actually racoons!
Funny Business
One of the uninvited guests was apprehended straight away, but his wily companion managed to evade attempts to capture it by legging it out into the wilderness of West Bay. Since news of the racoon at large has been made public, the reaction has been anything but concern. In fact the jokey memes that have populated social media since have been simply hilarious.
Hot off the mark, one witty individual made up a meme showing the Cayman Islands’ premier and governor sat at a table as if to address the nation with none other than the pesky little critter sandwiched in between them. The genius of that particular joke was in the timing as it provided comic relief to the nation who were waiting for a press briefing from the government regarding the opening of the borders. Since then, the flood gates have opened and it seems like pictures on facebook are turning into a racoon themed game of where’s Waldo.
No Laughing Matter
Joking aside, there are concerns about what issues the invasive creature may unwittingly bring with it. The Cayman Islands are currently rabies free but racoons are known potential carriers of the disease. They pose a new threat to indigenous wildlife and if they manage to populate then they could easily add more stress onto the island’s flora & fauna that is alreadyaffected by the invasive green iguana.
Eyes in the Sky
It may be a coincidence, but shortly after the news of the fugitive at large broke out, the island’s police helicopter was seen taking to the skies apparently searching West Bay. In response to search efforts however, the stealthy stowaway has so far still managed to remain at large.
The Cayman Department of Agriculture (DOA) have asked the residents of Grand Cayman to keep their eyes peeled for the racoon on the run in the hope of safely apprehending it.