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Found A Raccoon

Finding a baby raccoon alone – or seeing one out during the day – can be worrying, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Reuniting with mom is always the best outcome when it’s possible.

Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If the animal is injured or has had contact with people or pets, please call right away.

Call 904-779-5569
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Found a Raccoon?

A Mother Raccoon Will Come Back — Give Her the Chance

Baby raccoons are rarely truly abandoned. If a baby raccoon is healthy, fully furred, and uninjured, the mother is very likely nearby and will return when it’s quiet and safe. Reuniting is always the best outcome — for the animal and for your local rehabilitators.
How to help

Quick Steps to Help

A calm, gentle response gives young raccoons the best chance of survival. Reuniting with mom is always the best outcome — find your situation below and follow the steps.

✓ Healthy & Unharmed

Looks okay? Give mom a chance to return.

If the raccoon is fully furred, alert, and free of visible injuries, the mother is likely nearby. Raccoons are nocturnal — she is most active after dark and will return when it's quiet and safe.

  1. Stay completely away. Keep people and pets clear of the area. A mother raccoon will not approach if she feels threatened.
  2. Set up a warm waiting box. Place the raccoon in a box lined with a soft towel at or near the spot it was found. Never leave it on bare ground — it needs to be off the ground and contained. See warming guide →
  3. Play raccoon sounds. Baby raccoon distress calls (on YouTube) can help the mother locate her young.
  4. Check every 2 hours — and leave out overnight. Unlike squirrels, raccoon mothers are most active after dark. Leave the box out overnight if weather allows.
  5. Still there by morning? Bring the box inside to a warm, quiet area away from pets and household activity — then call us.
📞 (904) 779-5569
! Injured or Unsafe

Injured, cold, or exposed to a pet? Act now.

If the raccoon is cold, injured, visibly weak, or has been in contact with a dog or cat — even without visible wounds — it needs immediate care. Do not delay.

  1. Use caution when handling. Even baby raccoons can scratch or bite when frightened. Use thick gloves or wrap it in a towel before placing it gently in a box.
  2. Provide warmth. Fill a cotton sock with uncooked rice, microwave 2 minutes, wrap in cloth, and place in the box alongside the animal. Never use an electric heating pad directly on the animal. See warming guide →
  3. Bring it inside. Keep it in a warm, quiet space away from pets and noise.
  4. Call us immediately. Do not offer food or water for any reason.
⚠️Do not feed or offer water — including cow's milk or baby formula. Even with good intentions, the wrong thing can cause life-threatening harm.
📞 (904) 779-5569
Did You Know

Quick Raccoon Facts

A little context helps you make better decisions in the moment.

🌞 Not Always Nocturnal

Raccoons are mostly active at night, but it’s normal to occasionally see them during the day, especially mothers caring for young.

📖 Highly Intelligent

Raccoons are resourceful and adaptable animals with excellent problem-solving skills.

🌲 Excellent Climbers

Raccoons can easily climb trees and structures to escape danger and find shelter.

🦝 Important to the Ecosystem

They help control insect populations and clean up natural waste, playing a role in maintaining balance in the environment.
found a baby racoon, found a racoon

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Every rescue and second chance begins with caring people like you. Your support helps provide medical care, safe rehabilitation, and the time wildlife needs to heal and return to the wild where they belong.

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Together, we can protect and care for the wildlife that shares our community.