Humane Baby Raccoon Removal in Bowmanville

Assess the situation Determine if the baby raccoon is alone or if there is a mother raccoon nearby. If the mother is present, it's best to leave the situation alone as she is likely caring for her young.

Contact a professional It's recommended to reach out to a wildlife removal professional or a local animal control agency. They have the expertise and necessary equipment to safely handle and relocate the baby raccoon.

Provide information When you contact the professional, provide details about the situation, including the size and approximate age of the baby raccoon, its location, and any observations you have made.

Follow professional advice The wildlife removal professional will guide you on what to do next. They may ask you to keep a safe distance from the animal and avoid any direct contact. It's important to follow their instructions carefully.

Secure garbage and food sources In the meantime, ensure that your garbage cans are tightly sealed and remove any potential food sources from the area. This helps minimize the chances of attracting raccoons and other wildlife.

Prevention measures Once the baby raccoon is safely removed, it's essential to take preventive measures to discourage raccoons from returning. This may include securing entrances to your home, sealing off crawl spaces, and removing any potential denning sites.

Reunite with mother: Baby raccoons, also known as kits, are highly dependent on their mother for survival and care. If you come across orphaned baby raccoons, it's crucial to determine if the mother is still present or if the kits are truly abandoned. In many cases, the mother may be nearby gathering food and will return to care for her young. Removing the kits prematurely can harm their chances of survival.

Stress and health risks: Relocating baby raccoons can cause immense stress to the animals, potentially leading to injury or illness. The process of trapping, handling, and transporting them can be traumatic, and they may be exposed to unfamiliar environments, predators, or diseases.

Legal restrictions: In many regions, it is illegal to capture and relocate wildlife without the necessary permits or authorization. Wildlife management agencies have specific protocols and guidelines for dealing with orphaned or injured raccoons, and it's important to follow their recommendations.

Rabies Raccoons are one of the primary carriers of rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites or scratches. Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal to humans and other animals. If you encounter a baby raccoon displaying abnormal behavior, such as aggression, disorientation, or excessive salivation, do not approach it and contact animal control or a wildlife professional immediately.

Baylisascaris Procyonis This is a roundworm parasite commonly found in raccoon feces. The eggs of this parasite can be present in the environment and can cause serious health problems if ingested by humans, especially young children. It is important to avoid contact with raccoon feces and to take appropriate precautions when cleaning up areas where raccoons have been.

Leptospirosis Raccoons can carry and shed the bacteria that cause leptospirosis in their urine. This bacterial infection can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water, soil, or surfaces. It can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to organ damage.

Canine Distemper While primarily affecting dogs, distemper can also infect raccoons. It is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms. Although the risk of transmission from raccoons to humans is low, it's important to avoid contact with raccoons exhibiting signs of illness.

Observe from a distance Before taking any action, make sure the baby raccoons are truly orphaned and in need of help. Watch from a distance to see if the mother returns to care for them. Mother raccoons often leave their young unattended for extended periods while they forage for food.

Ensure safety If the baby raccoons are in immediate danger, such as in a hazardous location or at risk of predation, you may need to intervene to protect them. However, it's generally best to leave them undisturbed unless their safety is compromised.

Create a makeshift nest If the baby raccoons are in immediate danger and you need to move them, you can create a makeshift nest nearby. Find a small box or container and line it with soft, warm bedding like towels or blankets. Place the baby raccoons in the nest and keep it in a safe, quiet, and sheltered area nearby.

Monitor and wait After creating the makeshift nest, observe from a distance to see if the mother raccoon returns. Leave the area and give her a chance to reunite with her young. It may take several hours for the mother to return, especially if she feels threatened or if it's nighttime.

Contact a wildlife professional If the mother raccoon does not return within a reasonable amount of time or if the baby raccoons appear to be injured or sick, it's best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, animal control, or a wildlife professional. They have the experience and resources to properly care for and rehabilitate orphaned wildlife.