I don't have a conclusion for our ill raccoon. I have to process it all. Short story, it appeared, slept in the wood shed, and it left in the night.
April 13th
We spotted Butch raccoon wandering around. It didn't look quite right to me.
It came right up to me, which was worrisome. It wasn't aggressive, which was good.
This is not normal behaviour! It wasn't aggressive, so it isn't rabies. We don't have too much rabies around here in the wild.
It settled itself in the shed. I was curious.
After dinner, down I went to check it out. Curled up in the wood shed, it was asleep. I was worried it was dead, but I could see its chest gently rising and falling. The next morning it was gone.
I cleverly put a trailcam on the chair, facing Fred's burrow. Sadly, I had no useable footage. The wind knocked it over.
I'm wrong. There is lots of useable footage, but trees blowing in the wind lose their appeal after 700 videos!
Joe Brian did some research. He thought it might be Distemper. Dogs and cats are given inoculations against distemper. Our cats are up to date on their shots.
I emailed our Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (RVWS), sending them the photos and videos. They are busy with baby animals that are sick, lost, abandoned or injured. Their summer staff haven't begun. The universities are in exams.
Kayley said she checked with ED Linda, and they thought Butch was too co-ordinated to have Distemper. Anyway, I went out the next morning, Tues., Apr. 14th, and it was gone. You'll recall, we all released a dozen raccoons back in mid-October. They have scattered. There seems to be a group of 3 and another group of six over the winter.
RVWS said to call them if he returns and we will figure out what to do.
Saturday's Critters # 644 for criitter fun.
18 comments:
Hari OM
Awwww, definitely not feeling good... wonder if there had been a nasty encounter with another animal and simply some recovery time required? With the best will in the world, I hope you don't see it again - and we'll think only good thoughts... YAM xx
Oh, I hate hearing Butch might not be well. I hope it was just an off-thing and that he returns all frisky again.
Maybe it is injured and needs to recover for a while.
Oh, that's sad. Poor thing, it's awful to see anything suffer.
Hello,
Poor raccoon, maybe it just needed peace and a good sleep.
I do not like seeing critters not feeling well.
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I wonder if this racoon was one of the bunch you had released, and subconsciously remembered your property as a place of safety?
Poor little guy. Interesting that in his deluded state he came to you and your shed for help. I saw a certain kitty watching him in the window too! Hope he's doing better, and gets something to eat out there wherever.
The raccoon has the look of one that hesitatingly approached our house one day this spring. It didn't look healthy either -- seemed as if its fur was all over the place, very ratchedy. It turned and left before coming too close. You be careful -- they can turn vicious in a flash. Yours was definitely sick, with that wobble. -Kate
Here in Oklahoma, there is a distemper sickness going around and we are warned to stay away from raccoons that appear sick or out during the day and don't mess with the carcass.
I've met up with some very bold and aggressive raccoons in Vancouver, with no disease involved, so maybe there is hope.
Not knowing where he went or how he was isn't what you wanted, but if that was his last night, he slept in comfort and warmth, and with the family above. Animals know more than we might realise. A fond farewell maybe. XXXXX
A 'friendly' raccoon does seem strange!
I hope Butch will be ok.
Hope it's getting well.
Good of you to provide a safe place
We have an investment in these animals so worry when something is different.
That was an interesting plop when he rested on your porch. I wonder if he's been poisoned or ate something that had been poisoned. Yes, interesting behavior. Linda in Kansas
Likely a sign that he's not feeling too great. Hopefully he is away getting better and healing.
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