Raccoons

Orphan Alert:  Be very careful not to create orphan raccoons by accident. Mother raccoons often give birth in the spring in and around our dwellings. When homeowners hire pest control companies to remove the mother, the babies will be left behind. The best solution is to wait a few weeks until the babies are mobile and joining their mother for foraging. After they’ve left your dwelling for the evening, it’s safe to close their access for good.

What to do if you find…

Baby Raccoons

1. Always wear gloves when handling raccoons.

2. First, establish that the baby raccoon needs to be rescued. If the baby looks healthy, it is best to wait and watch for several hours before taking action. If there is no sign of the mother, or if the baby is injured or being stalked by a predator, it’s time to bring the baby to Native Animal Rescue.

3. Warm a soft cloth or an old t-shirt in the dryer and place it in the bottom of a box with air holes. Keep the box warm by placing it on a warm towel or on a heating pad set on low.

4. Carefully lift the baby and place it in the box.

5. Close the box and bring it to Native Animal Rescue following the directions below.

6. If you are uncomfortable handling the baby, call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.

 

Injured Adult Raccoons

1. Always wear gloves when handling raccoons.

2. If the raccoon is active and/or aggressive, cover it with a laundry basket, leave it where you found it, and call Native Animal Rescue for advice at 831-462-0726.

3. If you think you can handle the raccoon, prepare a hard-sided box or animal crate with a towel on the bottom and adequate ventilation. Warm the box by placing it on a warm towel or on a heating pad set on low.

4. Throw a towel or sheet over the raccoon so that he can’t see you, gently pick up the animal (wearing gloves), and place in the box or crate. Do not give food or water.

5. Close the box and bring the animal to Native Animal Rescue following the directions below.

6. If you do not feel up to handling the raccoon, call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.
Native Animal Rescue       1855 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062