I used to have a very small pool in my back yard. One night, I heard a terrible racket out back at 3:00 a.m. I turned on the light and saw about 6 raccoons frantically running around the edges of the pool. Then I saw: one of them had fallen IN the little pool, which had no steps or any way for the raccoon to get out again. The other ones were reaching their paws down trying to help but that wouldn't have worked. I grabbed a mop and went out; the other raccoons stepped a little bit away, but kept watching.
I put the mop head into the pool and the exhausted little raccoon swam right over and grabbed on! I was lifting it out and toward the edge when suddenly the mop popped off the handle and in it goes again. I ran and found a broom and held that out. The raccoon climbed on, and this time I was able to lift it out and over to the side. As I stepped away the other raccoons came running out and surrounded their little friend, who lay there soaked and exhausted. They fussed over him for a few minutes, and then ushered him away after he caught his breath.
I was just amazed how eagerly the raccoon locked its eyes on me and came toward me. Without even knowing I was there to help, it didn't hesitate to swim toward me, way before I held out the mop.
I wish they'd all come over and shaken my hand before leaving, lol!
Thank you for saving the raccoon! My son worked saved some in a dumpster by placing a wood board for them to use as a ramp. We're all just creatures trying to survive, right?
aknan
Jun 13, 2023
How wonderful that you could help a fellow creature! Raccoons are very social animals; they can sense when someone means no harm and wikl accept your help cautiously. What a story!
bopitextreme
Jun 14, 2023
Thank you both xyxyxyxx and aknan. Yes, I thought it was wonderful that it seemed that ALL of the raccoons knew I was there to help. I recently saw a video on YouTube of wild animals in trouble seeking human help, it was so amazing and life affirming. Hugs to you both
Those little masked critters are truly bandits. One time a friend and I were sitting at a campfire eating popcorn when a couple of them came along and literally tried to take the popcorn away from us. One of them, with his very skilled little hand, opened the screen door of my motor home. I threw such a loud fit he didn't go in. WE went in and closed the big door! We couldn't believe they were so bold!
I put the mop head into the pool and the exhausted little raccoon swam right over and grabbed on! I was lifting it out and toward the edge when suddenly the mop popped off the handle and in it goes again. I ran and found a broom and held that out. The raccoon climbed on, and this time I was able to lift it out and over to the side. As I stepped away the other raccoons came running out and surrounded their little friend, who lay there soaked and exhausted. They fussed over him for a few minutes, and then ushered him away after he caught his breath.
I was just amazed how eagerly the raccoon locked its eyes on me and came toward me. Without even knowing I was there to help, it didn't hesitate to swim toward me, way before I held out the mop.
I wish they'd all come over and shaken my hand before leaving, lol!