Even though it is only mid August, with dry weather and cooler temperatures, it is starting to feel like fall here in the north woods. At the Center, the change in season means that many of the patients that arrived during “baby season” are ready to be, or nearly ready to be, released.
This year, as we do every year, we cared for baby raccoons, and this week, all but one of them were released. According Director of Rehab, Amanda Schirmer, “Raccoon season went well.” There were no major complications because “we avoided disease and heavy parasites,” she said.
Almost all of the raccoons we cared for were orphans, who began their care with us indoors, with four feedings a day.
“They are one of the more care intensive species,” said rehabber Emma Blackwood. “They are loud and messy and have a distinct odor.”
“From syringe feeding, to soft solids,” we relied on our interns to help care for the raccoons first while they were inside, and when they were old enough to be moved outside. In their outdoor enclosure, they were provided natural enrichment, including minnows and dig boxes.
“They loved the dig boxes,” intern Mart Klenke said.
Outside, contact/feedings were reduced to two times a day. “It is important that during this time the racoons develop their wild temperament,” Amanda said.
“It’s when they learn how to be a raccoon,” Emma added.
We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to the summer’s interns, Danielle Edwards, Riley Hillis, Abby Gaull, Mart Klenke, Josie Kvanbeck, Navya Ramesh, Kyle Rosol and Niki Trotter for their help caring for the raccoons. We couldn’t have done it without you!