In this video, two young raccoons are exposed to live fish for the first time. With orphaned wildlife, its important to introduce them to a range of natural food which they can find in the wild. This teaches them what is suitable forage and helps to discourage their dependence on humans for food.
These two juvenile raccoons were brought in at the beginning of this summer as orphans. The “masked bandits” have been a symbol for the New England Wildlife Center, as they are the favorites of many children, volunteers and interns. They are so sneaky and curious that they were found venturing in the ceiling one night after figuring out how to push up the ceiling tiles. However, they must be taken care of with much caution because they can carry raccoon roundworm — a potentially dangerous parasite that if ingested can cause permanent neurological damage. This is why it is extremely important for these animals to be used for educating the public about staying away from raccoons despite their very “cute” social nature. These two raccoons have served as great mascots to our facility and are predicted to leave by the end of the summer! Thanks to everyone who has supported us with donations and time — if it weren’t for our generous community, we would not have the resources to care for our wonderful local wildlife.”
– Lana Fox, Student Intern
Summer is in full-swing. Suckling raccoons are now weaned and here, in our facility, are living outside on their own in an enclosure. They are fed, watered and visually examined every day. Without a mother to teach them, they learn from one another. Raccoons are highly adaptable and opportunistic. It is one of the characterisitics that make them successful. In this cage, we give them under road culverts that are hung from the sides of the cages to play in. They love these tubes and turn them into sleeping, socializing and playing areas. Here, two four-month old adolscent raccoons lounge during todays mid-day heat.
