Three very lucky baby raccoons were recently rescued and brought to Tucson Wildlife Center, where they will grow up together until old enough to be released back to the wild.
The youngest of the three was found on the side of a road where her mom had been killed. This little one was newly born and completely helpless. Newborn raccoons can neither see nor hear and can’t stand until they are about 4-5 weeks old.
The other two slightly older kits, one male and one female, are siblings and were rescued from a resident’s attic in Vail, where the mother had been trapped and removed. Raccoons keep their kits in small, enclosed dens such as hollow trees and logs. But, as they have had to adapt to changes humans have made to their environment, they are often found in attics or under decks and sheds. Never use live traps to remove raccoons from these locations, as babies are usually left behind.
An interesting fact, the raccoon’s front paws are dexterous and work like a human’s hand.
Since TWC is a wildlife rehabilitation center, we only deal with injured, ill, or orphaned animals. Trapping and removing healthy wildlife requires a permit and should be handled in a humane way.
For more information, check out our guide on how to coexist with wildlife, or how to prevent wildlife from coming to you, at https://tucsonwildlife.com/rescue-faq/ (How do I get rid of an animal under my porch or in my garage?).
Stay tuned!
If you would like to help patients like this, Donate Today!