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Entry 186Filed under Breeding

Found a Baby Raccoon? What to Do—and Why You Shouldn’t Feed It

Found a baby raccoon? Do not give it food, milk, formula, or water unless a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instructs you. Learn how to keep it safe, recognize when it needs help, and get local guidance.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
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If you found a baby raccoon, do not give it food, milk, formula, or water unless a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specifically tells you to. Keep people and pets away, avoid unnecessary handling, and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for instructions.

A baby seen alone is not necessarily orphaned: its mother may be away looking for food. Whether to attempt reunification or arrange professional care depends on the animal’s condition and local guidance.

What to do if you find a baby raccoon

  1. Do not feed or give it water. The Wildlife Center of Virginia says, “Remember, never attempt to feed the baby raccoon.” Roanoke Wildlife Rescue likewise advises against giving food, water, milk, or formula unless a licensed rehabilitator specifically instructs you to.
  2. Keep your distance. Move children and pets away, and avoid handling or moving the raccoon unless a professional gives you instructions.
  3. Assess the situation from a distance. A mother may be away searching for food. Do not assume the baby has been abandoned simply because it is alone.
  4. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator promptly. Call sooner if the baby is injured, cold, wet, weak, lethargic, or was caught by a cat or dog.
  5. Follow local professional instructions. If a reunification attempt or temporary care is appropriate, the rehabilitator can explain what to do for that animal and situation.

Should you feed a baby raccoon you found?

No. Do not feed a found baby raccoon or give it water unless a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specifically instructs you to. An inappropriate food or feeding technique can make the animal ill or kill it, so do not try a home formula, milk, or feeding device.

Wildlife Center of Virginia and Roanoke Wildlife Rescue both warn against feeding a baby raccoon without a rehabilitator’s direction. Wildlife In Need Center describes species-appropriate formula as part of professional rehabilitation; that is not a recommendation for the public to buy or use formula at home.

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#1 Best Overall
Mr. Opossum Midnight Munch™ Raccoon and Opossum Food Wildlife Treat Blend Multi Protein Backyard Wildlife Feeding Mix with Beef Lamb Chicken Salmon Corn Peanut Butter Puffs & Marshmallows (3 lb Pouch)
  • Everyday House Blend for Raccoons and Opossums - Midnight Munch is Mr. Opossum’s signature wildlife food blend crafted for raccoons, opossums, and backyard night visitors who return to the steps or fence line each evening.
  • Hearty Multi Protein Variety - Includes savory beef bakery bites, homestyle lamb chunks, gentle chicken kibbles, and fish nibbles made with salmon and ocean fish for layered protein variety.
  • Balanced Sweet and Savory Mix - Golden corn kernels, peanut butter crunch puffs, mini marshmallow bits, and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar add texture and a gentle bakery touch.
  • Perfect for Backyard Wildlife Feeding - Designed for fence lines, feeding stations, and porch wildlife watching, encouraging natural foraging behavior in raccoons and opossums.
  • Occasional Wildlife Treat - Offer as an occasional treat and not a complete diet. Always provide fresh water nearby and follow local wildlife feeding guidelines.

Is the baby orphaned, or could its mother return?

A mother raccoon may leave her young while she searches for food, according to the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Seeing a baby alone does not establish that it has been abandoned. Ask a local rehabilitator whether a monitored reunification is appropriate rather than trying a method or waiting period on your own.

Advice about reunification can vary with the animal’s condition and location. The Wildlife Center of Virginia describes temporary warming and reunification in certain circumstances, but that is not a universal procedure. Get local instructions before moving, containing, or attempting to reunite the baby.

Rank #2
MR. OPOSSUM Porch Party Mix™ Raccoon and Opossum Food Wildlife Treat Blend for Backyard Feeding with Marshmallows Beef Chicken Lamb Ocean Fish and Peanut Butter Puffs (3 lb Pouch)
  • Made for Raccoons and Opossums - Porch Party Mix is crafted especially for raccoons, opossums, and other nighttime backyard visitors. It is a flavorful wildlife treat blend designed for peaceful evenings of backyard wildlife feeding.
  • Hearty Multi Protein Blend - This mix features beef, chicken, lamb, and ocean fish along with peanut butter puffs, mini marshmallow bits, and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bakery inspired touch.
  • Perfect for Backyard Wildlife Feeding - Sprinkle a small handful along a fence line, near your back steps, or at a feeding station and enjoy watching your porch regulars gather.
  • Layered Texture and Flavor Variety - Savory proteins, crunchy puffs, and soft marshmallow bits create variety that encourages natural foraging and keeps curious little paws interested.
  • An Occasional Wildlife Treat - This product is a wildlife treat blend and not a complete diet. Offer in moderation, always provide fresh water nearby, and please check your local wildlife feeding guidelines before feeding.

When does a baby raccoon need urgent professional help?

Contact a wildlife rehabilitator promptly if the baby is injured, cold, wet, weak, or lethargic, or if a cat or dog caught it. The Wildlife Center of Virginia also identifies a baby that does not vocalize when approached as a concern. Roanoke Wildlife Rescue advises seeking help for an injured or weak baby.

Do not try to warm, hydrate, feed, or treat the animal based on general online instructions. Ask the rehabilitator what to do while arranging help, and follow their directions.

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Kaytee Granola Bites with Superfoods Cranberry, Apple and Flax for Rats, Mice, Hamsters, Gerbils, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas, 4.5 oz
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What not to give a baby raccoon

Do not give or do Safer response
Food, including human food Wait for instructions from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Milk or formula Do not choose or prepare a formula yourself; ask a rehabilitator.
Water by mouth Do not give water unless a rehabilitator specifically instructs you.
Untrained feeding or treatment Avoid unnecessary handling and ask a local professional what to do.

Can you raise a baby raccoon at home?

Do not try to raise a wild raccoon yourself. Wildlife care is specialized, and legal requirements depend on where you live. The Wildlife Center of Virginia notes that keeping a wild mammal in captivity without a permit is illegal in its local context; check the rules in your own jurisdiction and contact an authorized local rehabilitator.

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FAQ

I found a baby raccoon. What should I do?

Do not feed it or give it water. Keep people and pets away, avoid unnecessary handling, and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for situation-specific instructions.

Rank #4
MR. OPOSSUM Midnight Munch™ Raccoon and Opossum Food Wildlife Treat Blend Multi Protein Backyard Wildlife Feeding Mix with Beef Lamb Chicken Salmon Corn Peanut Butter Puffs & Marshmallows (9 lb Pail)
  • Everyday House Blend for Raccoons and Opossums - Midnight Munch is Mr. Opossum’s signature wildlife food blend crafted for raccoons, opossums, and backyard night visitors who return to the steps or fence line each evening.
  • Hearty Multi Protein Variety - Includes savory beef bakery bites, homestyle lamb chunks, gentle chicken kibbles, and fish nibbles made with salmon and ocean fish for layered protein variety.
  • Balanced Sweet and Savory Mix - Golden corn kernels, peanut butter crunch puffs, mini marshmallow bits, and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar add texture and a gentle bakery touch.
  • Perfect for Backyard Wildlife Feeding - Designed for fence lines, feeding stations, and porch wildlife watching, encouraging natural foraging behavior in raccoons and opossums.
  • Occasional Wildlife Treat - Offer as an occasional treat and not a complete diet. Always provide fresh water nearby and follow local wildlife feeding guidelines.

Can I give a baby raccoon cow’s milk or formula?

No, not unless a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specifically instructs you to. Do not choose a milk or formula product yourself.

Should I try to reunite a baby raccoon with its mother?

Ask a local rehabilitator first. A mother may be away looking for food, but whether reunification is appropriate and how to handle it depend on the circumstances and local guidance.

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Automatic Cat Feeder, 3L Cat Food Dispenser with Anti-Jam Design, Over 180-day Battery Life, 1-6 Meals Per Day with Stainless Steel Cat Bowl, Keep Dry Food Fresh, Timed Pet Feeder Also for Small Dog
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What if a dog or cat caught the baby raccoon?

Contact a wildlife rehabilitator promptly and follow their instructions. Do not feed, water, or handle the baby unnecessarily while seeking advice.

Is it legal to keep a baby raccoon?

Rules vary by location. Do not keep the animal at home; check local requirements and contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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