A morning jog turned harrowing when a New Jersey teen intervened to save a jogger from a vicious groundhog attack.
A ninth-grade student, Caleb Morris, became a local hero after rescuing Cait Lostan from an aggressive groundhog during her morning run on July 19, the New York Post reported.
Cait Lostan, 36, decided to head out early for her usual jog behind the Bernards Township Police Department, not far from Ridge High School. This area, known for its scenic trails and calm environment, is a popular spot among the community's active residents.
While running, Lostan was updating her friend on her run through a speakerphone call, unaware of the drama that was about to unfold. Suddenly, her morning exercise turned into a startling ordeal. "I was running in the woods on the path behind the police station and high school this morning when I came upon a groundhog," Lostan recounted. The groundhog appeared injured and reacted aggressively upon hearing Lostan’s voice.
"It must have been startled when I made a call on speakerphone because it charged at me screaming and lunging," she described. Startled and defenseless, Lostan ended up on her back, fighting off the wild animal's unexpected assault. She screamed and defensively kicked at the encroaching creature, hoping for a quick escape or rescue.
Caleb Morris, a local ninth grader, had just finished his cross-country morning run when he heard Lostan's screams. Curious and concerned, he rushed towards the disturbance. “I never thought that a groundhog could be as aggressive as this one,” Morris said, reflecting on the incident. He described his initial shock and hesitation, realizing he was watching a scene straight out of a wild YouTube video.
Morris found Lostan on the ground, desperately trying to fend off the aggressive groundhog. Lostan had even thrown her cellphone at the animal in a desperate attempt to distract it, but this only made the groundhog more fixated on the phone.
With quick thinking, Morris used voice commands to dial emergency services. “With the power of 'Hey Siri, call the police!', I was immediately put on the phone with a 911 operator,” he explained. The responsiveness and effectiveness of modern technology played a crucial role in getting help to the scene swiftly.
Police arrived shortly after the call and found a scene that seemed almost comedic if not for its seriousness: the groundhog was still wrestling with the damaged phone. Official responses and animal control interventions followed to ensure no further threats were posed by the wildlife, particularly to an area frequented by the public.
This rescue earned Caleb Morris widespread admiration and a proclamation from Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay. On September 10, officials officially recognized Morris for his bravery and quick thinking, which ensured Lostan's safety, nearly two months after the incident.
Lostan suffered minor scrapes and a twisted ankle but remained overwhelmingly grateful for Morris’s intervention. She emphasized how terrifying the ordeal was and expressed her profound thanks during the ceremony. “The groundhogs’ screams were even more unsettling,” Morris added, reflecting on the bizarre and frightening experience.
The event has led to increased discussions about wildlife encounters in local areas frequented by runners and families. Community safety meetings have included topics on how to deal with wildlife and the importance of being aware of surroundings.
Both Lostan and Morris have followed up with local schools and community centers to share their story and educate others on the potential dangers of wildlife, even in suburban areas. Their experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of community vigilance and preparedness.
As the Bernards Township community continues to process and learn from this event, the bravery displayed by a young teenager and the dramatic nature of seemingly mundane morning runs have undeniably brought the community closer together, fostering a greater sense of unity and collective responsibility toward safety and mutual support.
