Injured or orphaned raccoons
 Raccoons are nocturnal-they need a quiet and dark place during the daytime. They are attracted by pet food, ripe fruit and water. Their nesting season begins in February and can go through October. Litters average 2 to 7 babies and they are weaned after 12 to 16 weeks. Adult raccoons are usually solitary, but young raccoons may stay with their mother during the winter, either in the same den or nearby. They den in tree cavities, underground burrows made by other animals and human-made structures such as chimneys, basements, attics, spaces under patios and between walls. |
It is not good to feed raccoons, either intentionally or unintentionally. Don't leave pet food outside at night, keep ripe fruit picked, keep garbage cans securely covered or inside a garage at night. Raccoons are excellent climbers and are very dexterous. Raccoons cannot be relocated. A territory left open by removing one animal will be quickly filled by another. It is also illegal in California to relocate animals. Please do not give food or water to any injured or orphaned animals. Due to disease concerns such as rabies, canine distemper and raccoon roundworm, raccoons can not be relocated. |
Young raccoon(s) alone
If under the house or in a nest area, leave them alone so the mother will return. If in an inappropriate area (out in the open), wait until evening to see if the mother returns. They may be placed in a box that they can't get out of, but the mother can get in. Do not handle the raccoons with your bare hands. Since raccoons are nocturnal, the mother will not return until night. If the mother doesn't return, call the museum at 925-935-1978 in the morning. Occasionally, on a case-by-case basis, we may recommend waiting two nights before bringing them to the museum. |
Hit by car
If the raccoon can safely be put into a secure container without touching the animal, it can be brought to the museum. Otherwise, call animal control, (in Contra Costa County call 925-335-8300) especially for adult raccoons. |
Injured raccoon in your yard
Lindsay Wildlife Museum will loan traps (a refundable cash deposit is required) to help capture injured animals so they can be safely transported to the museum. We cannot accept healthy animals that have been trapped. |
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