What to do with a Baby Raccoon?
Knowing what to do with a baby raccoon? is critical: Never approach or handle one directly. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately for safe assessment and care, as intervention depends heavily on the animal’s age and condition.
Understanding the Situation: A Baby Raccoon’s World
Finding a baby raccoon can be alarming. Your first instinct might be to help, but understanding the situation is crucial before taking action. Baby raccoons are often discovered seemingly abandoned, leading well-intentioned people to intervene unnecessarily. However, the mother raccoon, or sow, may simply be foraging for food and will return.
When Intervention is Necessary
Determining if a baby raccoon needs help requires careful observation. Look for the following signs:
- Visible Injuries: Any open wounds, broken bones, or signs of trauma require immediate attention.
- Cold to the Touch: A cold baby raccoon is likely hypothermic and in desperate need of warmth.
- Weakness or Lethargy: If the raccoon is unresponsive or unable to stand and move, it’s likely sick or injured.
- Presence of Flies or Maggots: This indicates a significant problem and potential infection.
- Known Mother Dead: If the mother raccoon is confirmed dead, the babies are orphaned and need assistance.
- Found in an Unsafe Location: If the raccoon is in a dangerous location, such as a busy road or a place exposed to predators, it may need to be moved to a safer spot, but the mother must be allowed to retrieve it.
What to Do if You Find a Seemingly Abandoned Baby Raccoon
If the baby raccoon does not appear to be injured or in immediate danger, observe it from a distance for at least 24 hours. The mother may be nearby and will return to care for her young. Here’s what to do:
- Observe from a distance: Use binoculars to monitor the raccoon without disturbing it or its mother.
- Do not touch the raccoon: Never handle a baby raccoon without proper protective gear. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, and handling them can be dangerous.
- Keep pets away: Ensure that your pets are kept away from the area to avoid stressing the mother raccoon or harming the baby.
- If after 24-48 hours the mother does not return, or the baby is clearly in distress, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who are equipped to care for injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife. They have the knowledge and resources to provide the necessary medical treatment, nutrition, and rehabilitation to prepare animals for release back into the wild.
- Finding a Rehabilitator: Contact your local animal control agency, humane society, or state wildlife agency to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
- Providing Information: When you contact a rehabilitator, provide as much information as possible about the raccoon, including its age, location, and any observed injuries or symptoms.
- Following Instructions: The rehabilitator will provide specific instructions on what to do next, which may include safely containing the raccoon and transporting it to their facility.
What Not to Do
- Do Not Attempt to Raise the Raccoon Yourself: Raising a wild animal requires specialized knowledge and resources. It is illegal in many areas to keep a raccoon as a pet. Furthermore, human interaction can hinder a raccoon’s ability to survive in the wild.
- Do Not Feed the Raccoon: Feeding a baby raccoon can lead to nutritional imbalances and make it dependent on humans.
- Do Not Release the Raccoon Without Proper Rehabilitation: Releasing a raccoon that has not been properly rehabilitated can be detrimental to its survival.
Long-Term Considerations for Baby Raccoons
Successful rehabilitation involves more than just providing food and medical care. Raccoons need to learn essential survival skills, such as foraging for food, avoiding predators, and interacting with other raccoons.
- Soft Release: Rehabilitators often use a “soft release” method, where the raccoon is gradually introduced back into the wild in a controlled environment.
- Monitoring: After release, rehabilitators may monitor the raccoon’s progress to ensure it is adapting well to its natural habitat.
Consequences of Illegal Possession
Keeping a baby raccoon as a pet is often illegal and unethical. Raccoons are wild animals and are not suited for domestication. Illegal possession of a raccoon can result in fines, confiscation of the animal, and even criminal charges. More importantly, it deprives the raccoon of its natural life and can lead to its premature death. Remember: what to do with a baby raccoon? Report it to a wildlife rehabilitator!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Raccoons
What diseases can raccoons carry that are harmful to humans and pets?
Raccoons can carry several diseases, including rabies, raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), leptospirosis, and distemper. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is fatal if untreated. Raccoon roundworm is a parasite that can cause serious health problems in humans, including neurological damage. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and kidney damage. Distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs and other animals, causing fever, respiratory problems, and neurological symptoms. Always use caution when dealing with wildlife.
How can I tell the difference between a healthy baby raccoon and one that needs help?
A healthy baby raccoon will be active, alert, and responsive. It will have bright eyes, a clean coat, and no visible injuries. A raccoon that needs help may be weak, lethargic, cold to the touch, or have visible injuries, such as wounds or broken bones. It might also be covered in flies or maggots.
Is it legal to keep a baby raccoon as a pet in my state?
In most states, it is illegal to keep a raccoon as a pet without a permit. Even with a permit, raising a raccoon requires specialized knowledge and resources. Contact your state’s wildlife agency for more information on specific regulations.
What should I do if I accidentally touch a baby raccoon?
If you accidentally touch a baby raccoon, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you are bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to your local health department. Be aware that wild animals can carry diseases.
What should I do if my dog or cat attacks a baby raccoon?
If your dog or cat attacks a baby raccoon, separate the animals immediately. Check the raccoon for injuries and contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Even if the raccoon appears unharmed, it may have internal injuries that require treatment. Your pet should also be examined by a vet, even if vaccinated.
How long does a baby raccoon stay with its mother?
Baby raccoons typically stay with their mother for about six months to a year. During this time, the mother teaches them how to forage for food, climb trees, and avoid predators. They are dependent on their mother for survival.
What do baby raccoons eat?
Baby raccoons are initially fed milk by their mother. As they grow, they begin to eat solid foods, such as insects, fruits, and nuts. Wildlife rehabilitators will provide a specialized formula for orphaned baby raccoons, gradually introducing solid foods as they mature.
How can I prevent raccoons from entering my property?
To prevent raccoons from entering your property, secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, remove any sources of standing water, and trim tree branches that overhang your roof. You can also install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter raccoons. Exclusion is key.
What is the best way to transport a baby raccoon to a wildlife rehabilitator?
The best way to transport a baby raccoon to a wildlife rehabilitator is in a secure, well-ventilated container lined with soft bedding, such as a towel or blanket. Keep the container in a dark, quiet place and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. Handle it with extreme care.
What are the signs that a raccoon is rabid?
Signs of rabies in raccoons can include excessive drooling, aggression, disorientation, and paralysis. However, not all rabid raccoons exhibit these symptoms. If you suspect a raccoon is rabid, do not approach it and contact your local animal control agency immediately.
Can I use humane traps to relocate raccoons from my property?
Relocating raccoons is generally not recommended, as it can disrupt their social structure and increase the risk of disease transmission. In many areas, it is illegal to relocate raccoons without a permit. Contact your local wildlife agency for advice on managing raccoons on your property.
What happens to a baby raccoon after it is rehabilitated?
After a baby raccoon is rehabilitated, it is typically released back into the wild in a suitable habitat. The rehabilitator may choose a release site that is near where the raccoon was found or in an area with abundant food and shelter. The goal is to give the raccoon the best chance of survival. Knowing what to do with a baby raccoon? saves their lives.