Residents: Raccoons Running Amok In Carroll Gardens

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Residents in one Brooklyn neighborhood say they're fed up with some brazen neighbors -- the four-legged and furry kind.

As CBS2's Valerie Castro reported, one video shows a raccoon in Carroll Gardens appearing to go for a midnight swim, but the homeowner said it's actually heading for the koi fish in her pond.

Two other raccoons were daring enough to look in on a neighborhood dog, only separated by a glass door.

Residents say they're seeing more of the animals in the area than ever before.

"It's a score of raccoons, so it's a serious problem," said state Assembly member spokesperson Teresa Toro.

Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon has heard concerns expressed from several worried residents in the neighborhood. Her office estimates up to 30 raccoons have taken over.

"It is a public health issue, it is a public safety issue," Toro said.

"They live here, that's nature. However, it just made it really difficult for us to stay in our backyard," said resident Michele Dreger.

Dreger said they've dug holes in her backyard.

"So I have to cover them because I didn't want any of the kids to break their ankle while they're running around back here," she said.

Aaron Falcon said the raccoons have enjoyed his backyard pool.

"They like to walk around my pool, they play with the pool float and they knock it around, and they drink the water," he said.

Residents believe nearby construction might be the reason behind the raccoons' sudden appearance.

"This tree, the big tree up there is just housing them. It's like the condo," said Dreger.

But they've gotten too close for comfort.

"You never know if they're going to come out and attack," Falcon said.

The city's Department of Health says it has plans to inspect the neighborhood for the ongoing problem.