Full Breakdown
Raccoon Takes Up Residence in Cincinnati Newsroom
2/24/2026, 8:03:00 AM
Discovery of the Unlikely Resident
A raccoon has been discovered living inside the Local 12 newsroom, a CBS-affiliate in Cincinnati, as it sought refuge from the harsh winter temperatures. The presence of the raccoon went unnoticed for some time, with the newsroom staff initially suspecting a break-in. Chief meteorologist John Gumm confirmed the discovery in a post on X, stating, “We suspected someone had broken into Local 12 and had been secretly living inside the station to escape the brutally cold winter weather.” The raccoon was caught on video by engineer Noah Schuler rummaging through a garbage can, showcasing its resourcefulness as it attempted to find food.
Reactions from the Newsroom Team
The revelation of the raccoon as the unexpected squatter led to a lighthearted response from the Local 12 team and their audience. News anchor Meghan Mongillo humorously referred to the raccoon as a new employee, joking on Facebook about its role in the newsroom. Comments from viewers included playful suggestions for the raccoon’s new job, with one user quipping about providing it with an employee badge and a bowl of cherries.
Context of Raccoon Sightings
This incident is not isolated, as raccoons have gained attention in recent months for their antics. In December, another raccoon went viral after breaking into a liquor store in Virginia, where it was found intoxicated beside a toilet, leaving a trail of broken liquor bottles in its wake. Such occurrences highlight the adaptability and mischievous nature of raccoons in urban environments.
Official Statements & Responses
While the Local 12 team has not disclosed how long the raccoon resided in the newsroom or whether it has been removed, Gumm indicated that authorities were alerted to the situation. The playful engagement from the newsroom staff reflects a community that embraces the unexpected, turning a potentially concerning situation into a source of amusement.
Criticism & Opposition
There are no significant dissenting viewpoints reported regarding the raccoon’s presence in the newsroom. However, concerns about wildlife entering urban spaces and the potential risks associated with such encounters may arise among wildlife advocates and urban planners.
What's Next
As the story of the raccoon unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Local 12 team will address the situation moving forward. The incident has sparked interest and engagement from the public, potentially leading to further discussions about wildlife interactions in urban settings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We suspected someone had broken into Local12 and had been secretly living inside the station to escape the brutally cold winter weather.” — John Gumm, Chief Meteorologist
- “This is actually the new hire. I’m their lawyer and firing them would be wrongful termination,” — Local 12 Viewer
- “Get him an employee badge, a cute bib and a bowl of cherries to much on stat,” — Local 12 Viewer
