Raccoons

*ATTENTION*

Never handle a raccoon with bare hands!

Raccoons are a rabies vector species. Rabies is fatal to humans once symptoms appear. They also can have parvovirus and distemper, which can be passed to your pets (not to humans). Do not handle the animal(s) with bare hands. Keep your pets away. If your pet has come in contact with the animal call your veterinarian and make sure that your pet is up to date on its vaccinations.

Raccoons are hosts of a contagious roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis. This can be spread to humans and mammals and can be fatal.

If the raccoon is exhibiting any neurological signs (seizures, head ticks, erratic/constant chewing, seems dazed, is staggering) DO NOT go near it. Call us, a conservation officer or the PD for further advice.

If a human or pet was bitten or had direct exposure with any of the raccoon’s bodily fluids please contact the MN Department of Health to determine if the raccoon must be submitted for rabies testing and your doctor to determine if post exposure rabies vaccinations are required.

MN Department of Health 651-201-5414

Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries or illnesses occurred from you interacting with wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.

Orphaned?

Raccoons are very defensive! Even very small kits can bite. Do not approach them until you have been instructed to do so by a permitted wildlife rehabber.

Below is a list of signs to determine if the young are orphaned and need to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator:

  • If a baby has flies, fly eggs (look like tiny grains of rice), fleas, many ticks, mange, etc. on it then it likely is orphaned and needs to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

  • When raccoon kits are hungry they get very loud. If they have been crying for 4+ hours they are likely orphaned.

    Orphaned babies will also start approaching humans or pets when they are hungry and mom hasn’t returned. Don’t give them any food or water. Contact us.

  • Have an open wound, nasal discharge, severe limp, etc.

    If the animal is having seizures do not approach! See top of page.

  • Cats create tiny puncture wounds that seal over quickly and can create pockets that become infected.

    Dogs create crushing injuries when they bite. Internal injuries may not present for a couple days.

  • If you see a dead raccoon it does not mean that mom has been killed. Mother animals will have visibly enlarged teats. If you are unsure contact us.

  • They will start exploring outside the nest as they age, but will be alert and coordinated.

    If they are crying, clumsy, can’t climb, and still fuzzy and the mother does not return within a few hours they are likely orphaned and searching for her. She may be in the process of moving them. Contact us before you intervene.

  • If they have been under human care or have been fed anything from a human caretaker a permitted wildlife rehabilitator needs to be contacted.

  • Raccoon kits are generally pretty vocal, especially if they are hungry. If you find babies that are minimally reactive or are cold please contact us.

Too young to be out of den alone.

May be venturing out of den but should be with/close by siblings and mom.

Don’t Be a Kidnapper!

*There are only a few wildlife rehabilitation centers in the entire state that can rehabilitate raccoons. Space is extremely limited. You MUST speak with a permitted wildlife rehabber before you rescue raccoon kits.*

If you have a raccoon that is using your attic/garage/boat/etc. as a den and you need the babies moved allow the mom to move them herself. She will have several den sites established within a 3-mile radius. You must allow her time to move her kits. She can only move one at a time. Please click here for instructions on how to encourage her to move her kits and contact us if you have issues.

Reunification

  1. Ensure that the baby(ies) is not orphaned. Contact us if you’re unsure.

  2. Take a quick picture of the baby.

  3. Get a shallow box that is too deep for the baby to climb out of but not too deep for mom to get into.

  4. Put a small fleece blanket on the bottom with another to snuggle in (no big/thick towels or blankets).

  5. Using gloves and a very thick towel or snow shovel, gently push the babies into the box. If they have their eyes open do not handle them. Instead, scoop them into the box.

  6. Put the box upright where you found the baby or as close to the nest as possible.

  7. Put a warm rice sock or Hot Hands pack underneath half of the box.

  8. Back far away from the box. If mom feels threatened, she will not retrieve the baby. Threats include: you, pets, children, neighbors, construction/workers, tree trimming, lawn mowers, chainsaws, etc.  She will likely return in the evening and take the babies to a new nest once activity has calmed down. Mom will retrieve one baby at a time. This may take her all day/night. Please have patience, especially if it’s a busy area.

    If the tree that the nest was in fell or was cut down the babies may have injuries. Contact us right away so we can talk through the situation with you. If they are not injured continue with the process.

  9. If all of the babies are still there in the morning and you haven’t seen any sign of their mom contact us.

  10. Keep them in the box with a heating pad on low underneath half of the box.

  11. Put them in a heated outdoor building or a spare bedroom or bathroom away from pets, people and noise.

    DO NOT give any food or liquids to the animal(s)!

    DO NOT talk to, cuddle or handle them.

Containing the Animal(s)

If you believe that the raccoon(s) needs help, please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing them. Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):

  1. Contact us so we can discuss the situation with you.

  2. Get an appropriately sized box for the animal. You may also use a pet carrier or container as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.

  3. Put a towel or thin fleece blanket on the bottom of the box and another small piece of fabric for the animal(s) to snuggle in.

  4. Babies: For very young babies that have their eyes closed- using gloves, use a towel to gently pick up or scoop the kit into the box. Any aged raccoon may bite. Please be cautious of their mouths. If the kit is fearful and aggressive do not handle it. Tip the box on its side. Use a snow shovel to gently push the baby into the box. Slowly tip the box upright and place another small towel over the animal.     

    Adults and juveniles with their eyes open: Assume that it will try to bite you. Use the shovel technique. Do not handle the animal.

    If the animal is alert, place a blanket over the kennel. This will encourage the animal to “hide” from you inside of it.

  5. Secure the lid well.

  6. Put a heating pad underneath 1/3-1/2 of the box so the animal can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns.

    • Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place these items inside the box with the animal.

  7. Wash your hands.

  8. Bring the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area that is away from pets, children and noise.

  9. DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR LIQUIDS TO THE ANIMAL!

  10. DO NOT hold, cuddle or talk to the animal. Keep away from pets.