05/14/2022
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"Help! I've found a baby raccoon" calls are coming in 24/7; so we decided to create a quick reference post to give guidance on how to handle situations upon finding a baby raccoon. Our hope is that this will eliminate some of the time it takes to have to repeat the same message over and over! We have also been impressed with how many times the baby has been successfully reunited with the mother!
If you find a baby raccoon that is hurt, near a deceased mother, or covered in fly strike, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Otherwise, reuniting attempts MUST be made before deeming the raccoon an orphan. Michigan is getting buried in raccoon calls right now and there are not enough qualified rehabilitators to take on the amount of kits needing help. If you find a baby raccoon, or even a litter of raccoons...
π¦ Do not panic. Raccoons love to go out and play when their mom is looking for food! Seeing a baby animal does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with it. Provided it is not in harm's way, allow the baby to explore. Enjoy watching from a distance.
*This is referencing babies who are mobile, with eyes open.
π¦ If you do not know if the baby is orphaned, place it in a Rubbermaid tub or box that it is not able to climb out of, with a hot water bottle or hand warmers underneath a blanket or towel (to prevent burning). Place the box near where you found the raccoon. If rain is in the forecast, lay a garbage can on its side and put the box in there; this will provide as a great shelter from the rain. If it is a steamy hot day, a heat source is not necessary, but make sure the box is in the shade.
π¦ If the mom is still around, the hunger cries of the baby should attract her; she will relocate it back to the den. It is important to not feed the baby as it needs to cry for the mom to know where to look! We know you mean well by trying to feed it, but fight the urge and resist offering it formula or food of any kind. Older kits can be given a shallow dish of water.
π¦ It could potentially take 24+ hours for the mom to move the baby; during this time it is crucial to make sure people and pets stay away from the area!
π¦ If the baby is still in the box by the next day (ideally 24 hours later), please reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you're in Michigan, please see the attached link:
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/dlr/
Another great link for national help is: ahnow.org
π¦ Please reference this link for guidance on humane hazing tactics to get a mother raccoon to move out and take her young with her: https://www.facebook.com/100064569947585/posts/328152829347046/
Wildlife rehab is not equipped to take on all the cases of baby animals who became orphaned after their mom was trapped and relocated. We cannot keep up with the demand! Please do your due diligence and do not trap and relocate animals! Humane hazing tactics work and keep families together!
β Please donate to help cover the costs of formula, dietary needs, medications, vet bills, and supplies needed to help the ones who make their way to Soulshine!
β If you need the services of a wildlife rehabilitator, please donate towards the care of the animal you bring them. That's the only way we can keep up with the demand! Even $5 donations add up and make a difference!
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