Roseville, CA: Giant Hamster Escapes Pet Store, Rampaging Through Downtown

Roseville, CA: Giant Hamster Escapes Pet Store, Rampaging Through DowntownRoseville, CA: Giant Hamster Escapes Pet Store, Rampaging Through Downtown The once-tranquil city of Roseville was thrown into chaos on Wednesday when a colossal hamster escaped from a local pet store and embarked on a rampage through the downtown district. The hamster, estimated to weigh over 30 pounds, was named Susie by its former owners. It broke out of its enclosure at PetSmart at around 10 am after an employee accidentally left the cage unlocked. Eyewitnesses described Susie as a blur of fur and teeth as it stormed through the streets, leaving a trail of mayhem in its wake. It gnawed through power lines, causing a blackout, and flipped over parked cars like toys. Panic erupted among downtown residents and workers. People fled their offices and shops, screaming and seeking shelter. Several minor injuries were reported as Susie collided with pedestrians. Police responded swiftly, but their efforts to contain the rampaging rodent proved futile. Susie’s massive size and agility allowed it to elude capture. “This is a situation we’ve never encountered before,” said Police Chief John Dennehy. “We’re asking residents to remain indoors and avoid contact with the animal.” As the rampage continued, the city called in animal control specialists from the USDA. They arrived with tranquilizer guns and nets, but Susie remained elusive. Meanwhile, Susie’s trail of destruction reached the city hall. It shattered windows, chewed on furniture, and even left its mark on the mayor’s desk. The rampage came to an end at around 5 pm when Susie finally tired itself out and collapsed in the city park. Animal control officers were able to subdue it and transport it back to the pet store, where it was placed in a reinforced cage under heavy guard. The incident has left Roseville shaken but also amused. Social media was flooded with videos and memes of Susie’s rampage, and #HamsterHavoc became a trending topic. City officials have vowed to investigate the incident and prevent similar escapes in the future. PetSmart has issued a statement apologizing for the incident and promising to review its safety protocols. As of this writing, Susie remains in custody at PetSmart, where it is under observation for any injuries. Veterinarians believe it will make a full recovery and eventually be available for adoption…to a heavily fortified hamster enthusiast.