Raccoon falls through ceiling at Grand Geneva restaurant, bites guest who tried to catch it

WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It was an unusual Sunday night for diners and first responders at Grand Geneva Resort's Ristorante Brissago.

According to the Walworth County Sheriff's Office, a raccoon fell from the ceiling in the resort's fine dining restaurant and bit a guest who tried to catch it.

Deputies responded just after 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. They called in Town of Lyons and City of Lake Geneva firefighters to help, along with Guaranteed Gone Wildlife Control.

"When I get out to a site, I'm kind of like a MacGyver-slash-detective and investigator," said Matt Snorek, owner of the wildlife control company.

When Snorek arrived, he told CBS 58, a firefighter had contained the critter under a trash can in the back dining room.

"It certainly had a lot of vigor and energy and, you know, anger and spite being under that tote," Snorek described, noting the raccoon seemed well fed.

Snorek used a catch pole and cage to trap the raccoon and bring it out to his car.

"Once it was in a cage, it was much more subdued and relaxed," he said. "Considering what happened. It was a pretty light mood, and we got it out really well."

Unfortunately, because the raccoon bit someone, he had to take it to a local veterinary clinic to be humanely euthanized for testing.

"If an animal doesn't bite somebody, we have other options once we get there and get the animal," Snorek explained. "Once it bites somebody, there's really one option, and that's to get that animal tested as soon as possible for the transmission of rabies."

The animal will be tested at the state laboratory of hygiene in Madison.

According to Snorek, rabid raccoons are rare in Wisconsin. He hasn't seen one in his 20-year-long career.

"The chances are very minimal, but with the near 100% mortality, it's something you really can't take lightly," he said.

He hopes this event is a teaching moment: people should not touch wild animals without proper training.

"Appreciation, love for wildlife is a great thing," Snorek said. "Just don't try to do things outside of your pay grade, or above your level of comfort. Trust your instincts."

Officials haven't told us the condition of the person who was bitten by the raccoon.

Snorek said there was an ambulance on scene, and the state health lab will be in contact with that person.

When asked about the situation, Grand Geneva Resort sent this statement to CBS 58:

"A raccoon entered the building Sunday night. Animal Control was contacted, and the animal was removed. As always, the safety and well-being of our guests is our priority."