I had never really thought about the possibility of caring for a pet raccoon.
With the risk of rabies or other diseases that affect wild animals, why would I ever want to get close enough to touch a raccoon? So I was very surprised to find out that there isn't necessarily always a reason to worry.
While some raccoons could carry rabies, the Humane Society of the United States writes, "If you see a raccoon in your yard during the day, don't panic — she is not necessarily sick or dangerous. It's perfectly normal." Knowing that they aren't an animal to be afraid of, when I saw what one family did for an injured baby raccoon in their backyard, my heart absolutely melted.
Similar to the couple that adopted a baby koala and other families that care for exotic pets, Rosie Kemp and her daughter Laura did something incredible for a poor abandoned baby raccoon. They overcame the stereotypical fear of raccoons and made a true difference in the young baby's life.
Scroll through to see just how adorable this little baby is, and how quickly she has become a member of the Kemp family.
What do you think of what Rosie and Laura did for this raccoon? Let us know in the comments!
h/t: The Dodo
Rosie Kemp received the surprise of a lifetime last year when she went into her backyard. She discovered a tiny baby raccoon that had fallen from a tree and broken her leg. Rosie waited for the mother to return, but finally decided to take the baby into her home when the mother never came back.
Rosie fed the baby and decided to nurse her back to health with the help of her daughter, Laura. In the Bahamas where Rosie and Laura live, rabies isn't a concern, and it is legal to own a raccoon. So the women quickly made the baby the newest member of their family.
They named the baby "Pumpkin" and introduced her to Laura's two rescue dogs. Pumpkin and the dogs very quickly hit it off.
Pumpkin soon found a temporary home with Laura and her husband. She told the Dodo, "Raising her was (and still is) a full-time job."
She continued, "They are so unbelievably intelligent, very aware, and I would say they are even able to express emotions." Pumpkin's broken leg quickly healed, and she began to gain strength and grow in size.
Laura told the Dodo, "She instantly bonded with us and our two rescue dogs and follows me and our two dogs everywhere we go."
"She now thinks she is a dog. She is able to play and be rough with them and she respects them when they have had enough."
Laura is fully aware, though, that Pumpkin is not a domesticated animal. She said, "Raccoons are NOT pets." But by treating Pumpkin with love and care, she and her family have done all that it takes to give Pumpkin a good start at life.
Laura knows that Pumpkin won't necessarily be a permanent resident. "We are very lucky with her and always want and will do what is best for Pumpkin. But for now she is very happy with us and the dogs!"
Though not all raccoons have rabies, it is important to recognize that some do. And while Pumpkin didn't pose a threat to Rosie, Laura, and their family, it is always important to call the local wildlife rescue if you stumble upon an injured raccoon or a baby raccoon.
Caring for Pumpkin and nursing her back to health was an enormously generous and heartfelt act on the part of Rosie and Laura. Though it is impossible to know what Pumpkin's future holds, it is wonderful that she was given a chance at life because of these amazing animal lovers.
What do you think of Rosie and Laura's actions? Let us know in the comments.
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