Infant Girl Is Mauled In Her Sleep By A Raccoon

Four-month-old, Journi Black, was sleeping peacefully in her bed when a raccoon found its way into the house. It dragged and clawed the little girl, severely injuring her. The little girl's uncle, Kenneth McDuffle, says that the family has received a massive outpouring of support through Journi's GoFundMe page. The donations that they received will ensure that the family is able to move into a more secure home.

"It will be safe. It will be secure. It will be wildlife- and rodent-free, a place where they are comfortable and they are safe," the uncle said. He also says that they cannot predict what will happen in the future, but he wants to make sure that Journi and her family are safe.

The GoFundMe page was set with a goal of $2,000, but the page got so much attention that they raised over $20,000 in just three days. More than 500 people contributed to the fundraiser.

Journi's mother, Ashley Rodgers, said that she is overwhelmed by the amount of support that they have received. People have even dropped off presents at her home to help the family celebrate Christmas. "I’m good. She’s good," Rodgers reportedly said.

Jouri's mother also posted an update on the GoFundMe page that said, "Merry Christmas! Thank you all for the outpouring of love & support. Baby Journi is enjoying all the gifts. You all really know how to make a girl feel special. Peace & Blessings to you and your family on this glorious day!" Journi was released from the hospital and is home recovering from her wounds.

Her mother said that she found Journi with blood covering her face and pajamas when she got up to take her six-year-old son to the bathroom.

"She was laying on the floor — across the room — blood all over her face and her PJs," Rodgers said.

Journi was rushed to the hospital and had to get more than 60 stitches on her face. The doctors said that it could take up to a year for her to fully recover from her injuries.

The family had moved into the one-bedroom apartment just a few days before the attack occurred. The existing tenants had already filed complaints about the raccoon infestation, but nobody had taken any steps to address the issue.

"It needs to be shut down. Everybody needs to leave out of there," Rodgers said. Rodgers said that she moved into the apartment because the rent was only $375 a month, and that was about all she could afford at the time. Rumors say that Rodgers plans to take legal action against the building's owner.

"It is the landlord’s responsibility. There’s no reason an animal should have gotten into the house with minors," the girl's father, Samuel Black said.