Metro Parks said today that staff found two near-fatally wounded raccoons Monday morning, hit by what appeared to have been a pellet gun. The incident was reported to the Department of Fish and Wildlife who responded and euthanized the injured animals.

Since that initial assault, staff and park visitors have encountered 4 more dead raccoons victimized by similar attacks along Point Defiance Park’s Five Mile Drive. The most recent incident is believed to have occurred sometime between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. yesterday.

Staff have been on the lookout for suspicious activity and had completed rounds an hour before a park visitor reported finding two raccoons in the area that staff had patrolled.

Individuals involved in incidents of this type are subject to criminal civil charges, according to Tacoma Police spokesman Mark Fulghum.

Park visitors are advised not to confront the individuals involved if they witness an attack in progress. If the crime is in progress, call 9-1-1. Anyone with information that could aid in solving these crimes is asked to call the Tacoma Police Department’s non-emergency number at (253) 798-4721. If visitors encounter any wildlife injured by unnatural causes they are asked to report the location directly to Park Superintendent Marina Becker at (253) 305-1024.