This call came in as a raccoon hit by a car tonight. Thanks to a dedicated volunteer it as out of the street and safe for the night. We are unsure of its injuries currently other than unfortunately it doesn’t appear that its back legs work any longer. Our employee Chris is looking after it until I can back there in about an hour. I hope I don’t find that it is another that has been tortured but I’ll know soon enough and update here accordingly.

What do you do if you find an injured or sick raccoon?

If you find an injured raccoon, observe from a safe distance and�contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control�to ensure the animal receives proper care and avoid potential harm to yourself or the animal.�https://www.nativeanimalrescue.org/found-an-animal/raccoons/

Emergency Guide for Injured Raccoons:

1. Prioritize Safety:
Do not approach or attempt to handle the raccoon.�Raccoons can bite or scratch, and they can also carry diseases like rabies.
Maintain a safe distance:�and observe the raccoon from a distance.
If you have pets, keep them inside:�and away from the area where the raccoon is located.�https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/bnatres/agricult/pdf/raccoons.pdf


2. Assess the Situation:
Determine if the raccoon is an adult or a baby.�If it’s a baby, see if it’s alone or with its mother.�https://vet.tufts.edu/tufts-wildlife-clinic/found-wildlife/what-do-if-you-found-raccoon
Note the raccoon’s condition.�Is it injured, lethargic, or acting strangely?�
If possible, take a picture:�of the raccoon for identification purposes.�

3. Contact Local Resources:
Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center.�They have the expertise and resources to care for injured or orphaned raccoons.
Search online for wildlife rehabilitation centers:�in your area, like “wildlife rehabilitation Louisville KY”.
Contact your local animal control office.�They may be able to assist with the raccoon or direct you to the appropriate resources.�

4. If you must intervene (rare cases):
Baby raccoons:�If a baby raccoon is crying continuously, alone, or cold to the touch, you may need to intervene.�
Do not feed the raccoon.�Instead, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for guidance.�
If you must transport the raccoon,�place it in a secure cardboard box with a towel or blanket for comfort, and ensure the box is well-ventilated.�
Do not attempt to clean or treat any injuries.�Leave that to the professionals.�

Important Considerations:
Raccoons are wild animals:�and should be left to their natural environment as much as possible.�https://alexandriaanimals.org/help-theres-a-raccoon-in-my-yard-resolving-conflicts-with-raccoons/
Do not attempt to capture or relocate a raccoon:�unless you have the proper training and equipment.�
Be aware of potential diseases:�that raccoons can carry, such as rabies.�https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/bnatres/agricult/pdf/raccoons.pdf
Avoid direct contact with raccoon saliva or urine,�as these can transmit diseases.�
Wash your hands thoroughly:�after any interaction with a raccoon, even if it’s from a distance.�https://critterstop.com/post/what-to-do-with-a-dead-raccoon-proper-disposal-methods-and-safety-precautions/

Other Raccoon Stories By Us

https://staging.rfpsinc.com/0700-pm-02-10-2025-helpless-raccoon-lying-in-a-driveway-needed-urgent-care/
https://staging.rfpsinc.com/03-10-2025-645pm-raccoon-rescue-volunteer-efforts-make-a-difference/