Anyone have any special pointers on raising a baby raccoon?

[kjcarl]

[Fliehigh]

Hi kjcarl

Surprisingly, Yes I Do.

First off, if at all possible take the little one to a wildlife rehab centre if you can.

Secondly Be prepared for the raccoon to turn back to wild (at least have a really bad attitude at times) when it turns around 1 year old. As soon as they hit maturity they start losing their domesticated tendencies and start to get very Territorial (DO NOT ALLOW YOU CHILDREN AROUND IT once it is full grown)!! They can be trained and be seem to be a good pet for about a year, but by that time they can no longer be introduced back to the wild.

I am ashamed to say that I know this from family experience. My fate found an abandoned baby when I was young and had to take it in the woods and leave it there after 18 months as it started to claw and bite when it didn't get what it wanted. We know it probably didn't survive on it's own because it was never taught how to find food.

I hope this helps.

Fliehigh

[kjcarl]

did you have yours neutered? ive heard that if they get fixed then later they wont be as awful.
also, ive read on the internet that they can be house trained. but it doesnt tell how to do it.

[abrack7022]

I agree with Fliehigh, you need to bring it to a wildlife rehibilitator. Depending on where you live it might be illegal to have a raccoon. Where I live you have to turn them over to a licenced rehibilitator or you will get fined if the animal control found out you had one. It is a cute little guy but you should do the responsible thing and turn him over to someone who can take care of him properly.

[Fliehigh]

When they hit maturity, they can and will get extremely vicious.

Fliehigh

[amless326]

My family lives in the country, and my step mom thought it would be a good idea to take care of a few raccoons that would come up on the porch at night. A few turned into about 20 shortly. After feeding them for a few months they started to become friendly, but like the other people said they did become mean and started to have an attitude after about a year and actually attacked some of our cats. Some animals arnt meant to be domesticated and will turn on you. She no longer feeds them, but they still come around the house once in a while to look for treats. Be careful.

[mtardiff]

More importantly they carry a specific round worm that can be transmitted to you, or your children.  And it migrates to the brain, and can cause horrific effects.  Even death.  I DEFINATELY would not keep that baby or have it near your little children.  Children dont wash their hands and have the proper hygeine as you would.  And dont forget that its illegal.  I know they are cute, and I'm not giving you a hard time its just that it's drilled in my head to let people know this.  I work at a vet clinic.