Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Northern Raccoon

This Is Why Raccoons Can’t Have Nice Things.

This Northern Raccoon found himself in a circular argument with a spare tire… and definitely lost.

He was discovered with his head stuck through the center bore of a spare tire, a predicament that is equal parts impressive and ill-advised.

Fortunately, it appeared he had not been trapped for long.

On intake, this patient was alert, well-hydrated, and extremely unhappy about the situation. (Honestly, fair.)

Aside from some minor rubbing burns around the neck where the tire was pressing, he was in good physical condition.

To safely resolve the standoff and protect everyone involved, our team sedated the raccoon using injectable anesthetics.

With gentle manipulation (and no further insults to his dignity), the tire was successfully removed.

After fully recovering from anesthesia, enjoying a good meal, and spending 24 hours under observation, this very annoyed but otherwise healthy raccoon was cleared for release and returned to his original territory. Watch the release video here!

He left us tire-free and presumably with a new personal rule about where not to put his head (doubtful).

Huge thanks to the finders who recognized this as an emergency and wisely avoided direct contact with a high-risk rabies vector species. They contacted Loudoun County Animal Services, who responded and coordinated the rescue with Kristi’s Caring Hands Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education. Kristi also completed the release and you can see the video proof of his freedom (and attitude) below.

Wildlife rehabilitation truly takes a village, and we are grateful for the partners who help us turn situations like this into safe, successful endings… and occasionally a good laugh.

Learn something new. Protect something wild.

This winter, turn your curiosity into action by joining BRWC’s Winter Webinar Series!

These engaging presentations break down real threats facing wildlife and explain practical ways you can help.

Topics include:

• How to become a Wildlife Rehabilitator (in VA)
• Wildlife diseases and how they impact pets and people
• Window strikes and how to prevent them
• The impacts of cats on wildlife
• Keystone species and ecosystem health
• Invasive species, vultures, bioactive enclosures, and more

Webinars are just $5 for individuals or $10 for a group, and your registration directly supports the care of all of our patients.

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