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Unexpected rescues: Baby raccoons in need
When we think of heroic rescues, images of firefighters saving cats from trees often come to mind. However, the crew at Fire Station 13 in Dartmouth recently faced a different kind of challenge: rescuing baby raccoons abandoned in a parking lot.
On a chilly Sunday, firefighters discovered a shivering baby raccoon left beside a parked car, prompting immediate action.
Compassion in action
Richard Sullivan, an executive officer with Halifax Professional Firefighters Local 268, recounted the scene: “It was cold, it was wet, and it was shivering.” The firefighters quickly brought the baby raccoon inside, dried it off, and warmed it up before contacting Hope for Wildlife, a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
Upon arrival, the baby raccoon was found to be severely dehydrated and in need of urgent care.
Hope Swinimer, founder of Hope for Wildlife, explained, “It needed fluids, to be warmed up, and all that good stuff.” Fortunately, the little raccoon responded well to treatment.
The following day, another baby raccoon was discovered, and arrangements were made to bring it to the nursery as well. Together, these two orphaned raccoons joined a group of about 23 other young raccoons being cared for at the facility.
The plight of orphaned raccoons
According to Swinimer, the rescue center receives hundreds of baby raccoons each year, primarily due to human actions. “Probably 70 percent of the time, it’s a case where a raccoon has gone into someone’s attic and given birth,” she explained.
Unfortunately, when homeowners trap and relocate the mother raccoon without realizing she has babies, the young ones are left behind, orphaned and vulnerable.
To prevent such situations, Swinimer suggests simple measures. “It’s really simple; they pick the attics because they’re dark and quiet.
By putting a light and radio up there, we’re giving that mom the exact opposite of what she wants, and over the next week, she’ll move her family unit to a site that she finds a little bit better for her to nurse her young.”
Awareness and action
Another common cause of orphaned raccoons is tragic accidents involving vehicles. Swinimer noted, “We usually see the dead mom on the road with the little baby still curled up with mom, so it’s really sad.” If you encounter a raccoon that has been hit by a car, it’s advisable to check for kits when it’s safe to do so. “People will often gather up those babies and bring them to us,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community involvement during this critical time of year when many animals are giving birth.
The story of the baby raccoons rescued by Dartmouth firefighters serves as a reminder of the compassion and responsibility we hold towards wildlife. By being aware of our surroundings and taking proactive steps, we can help ensure that these adorable creatures have a fighting chance at life.
