An early evening dog walk in the park led to our discovery of four (hopefully temporarily) orphaned raccoon kits. We heard some strange vocalizations and noticed one on top of a recently cut tree stump. After a little investigation we found three more in what looked like a makeshift shelter made from some propped up bark. It seems the contractors hired by the county to take down dead trees and clean up some that have fallen in wind storms must have displaced these little ones. They must have thought to leave them there for the mom, but they did not have enough shelter or warmth to survive for very long. We called some local rehabbers, but no one could take them. They were all full with babies and raccoons require feeding every three hours for at least six months. In the wild they stay with the mom for a year. They suggested putting them in a box with some heavy towels or blankets. So we got a box and some warm towels and put them in the same spot. I got a bunch of bark and branches and sheltered the box as much as possible, leaving room for their mom to get in. I will check on them first thing in the morning. Hope she comes back!

UPDATE: I got up at sunrise and went to check on the kits. Happily there was no signs of a predator, so it appears their mom returned and got them all to another safe place.



Yesterday's photo: