So sad, raccoon related--****We found someone to take them!!!!!***

So, I have a momma raccoon and some babies in my attic. Hubby and I see how big the hole is in our roof and realize that they need to come out before we can repair. I call a bunch of places and they give me quotes ranging from $550-$700.

We were told that it is illegal for us to trap and relocate raccoons and that the board of health wants all captured raccoons to be euthanized. Also, even if we were to leave out moth balls and play loud music to make the mom and babies leave, mom would most likely break her way back into the attic after repairs.

We decided on a company and they set up live traps and a list of possible additional fees that we might be charged ($700 extra if raccoons have been a problem for more than a year!--not sure how they would determine that!) I wake up the next morning to see mom in trap. The guy picks up mom but leaves babies!!

Hubby goes into attic and sees the tops of their heads. They are in a hard to reach spot and he can't get to them. I call the guy this morning and explain that the babies are there and he said (very calmly) that they will die up there and that once they expire there usually isn't a smell!!

Hubby checked attic this morning and didn't see or hear them. I call several rescue wildlife places and they tell me that it's true. The dept. of health wants them all euthanized and it is illegal to relocate. However, since I don't have a license and don't get inspected I don't have anything to lose by relocating.

Now I feel like complete crap.

**I just went into attic to check and I didn't see or hear them.

***UPDATE 7/20 @ 12:30 am****
My husband just got them out!!!! They crawled into a soffit. He had to rip it open and tear apart some of the roof. They are alive and there are 3 of them. We just called a 24 hr vet place. They said if we bring them there they have to euthanize them. They then gave hubby a number for an underground rescue facility (since it's illegal it was more of a "you didn't hear it from us"). Hubby called--they are closed until Monday and he couldn't leave a message. Vet said to give a LITTLE water. I'm not sure what we'll do until Monday but at least they're alive!!

*****7/20 @ 7:15 pm*****
Hubby called about 30 places! He spoke to some really nice people but they all say that they need to be euthanized. He got a few leads for underground rescuers but they no longer take raccoons. We have 2 more of these rescuers that we will call tomorrow. Hubby has had constant contact with a former rescuer who is telling him how to take care of them until we find a place.

*** Update 7/21 @
12:30 pm***
God bless this angel who is going to take these babies!!! We are driving out for this covert operation in a few minutes.---will post when I get back!

***Update 7/21@ 11:45 pm***
Sorry about the delayed update. Well, we drove out to the secret place and our girl was just awesome! She was so sweet. She looked at them and said that hubby did an excellent job feeding them because they looked great!

In other news, I am so ****** that I paid a $250 deposit for this "man" to do this. Hubby said we will not pay the remainder. I mean, he didn't even complete the job (morbid job that it is). In fact he didn't even take a look in my attic. He simply dropped off a cage and picked it up the next day. I am still upset with myself because it was my phone call that caused all of this. I definitely think I could have done this myself. I guess hindsight is 20/20. However, finding a home for these little guys makes me feel somewhat better.

Message edited 7/22/2008 12:03:31 AM.

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Oh no that's terrible!
Did you call the STAR Foundation?

http://www.savetheanimalsrescue.org/

ETA: Some of these people may be able to help

Message edited 7/19/2008 2:00:49 PM.

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Posted by ladybug8

Hubby goes into attic and sees the tops of their heads. They are in a hard to reach spot and he can't get to them. I call the guy this morning and explain that the babies are there and he said (very calmly) that they will die up there and that once they expire there usually isn't a smell!!
(

Re: So sad, raccoon related

I know, it's true. It's awful. My brother had a racoon running all over his yard in the middle of the day a couple of years ago. Their daughter was between 2 and 3 at the time and they couldn't take any chances. He called someone to come and trap her and they told him that they would come trap them but then he'd have to call the police- who would come and SHOOT it on the spot!
My DB ended up trapping it himsef, but I'm not sure what he ever did with it-- I'd like to hope the humane thing and move it way out of the neighborhood, but if it was really sick (which if they're walking out in broad daylight, that's what it usually means) that he didn't do anything that could harm anyone else either... one of the neighbors said that when the police came to their house they shot the racoon in their yard (not my DB's) on sight- with his children watching! WTH is wrong w/ people??? With kids around???

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Why did I read this, I knew I shouldnt, and now I cant get the thought out of my head of the mother being separated from her babies who are left to die?! Something can be done I'm sure!? I would NEVER have let that person take the mother away like that, I'd have told him to leave her then.

Message edited 7/19/2008 7:27:36 PM.

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Oh no... I am such a softie I would probably try to lure them out somehow..altho I know that's not safe

Maybe this lady can help or refer you?

raccon rescue lady

Oh and also, look at this!

rescue directory!
Town: Smithtown
Linda Ray
[email protected] (631) 656-0404
License: Class 1
Training: Rabies Vector Species
Animals Accepted: Raccoons, Skunks, Bats, Small Mammals, Reptiles
Animals: Large Outdoor facility, inspected and certified with DEC. Hard release only for all RVS. Squirrel caging
Skills: I can provide assistance with RVS.
Comment: I urge suffolk county rehabbers to PLEASE get RVS certified as too many are rehabbing raccoons and WE HAVE NO RACCOON RABIES HERE AS OF YET ON LI!!!!!!! I don't want it here, I don't think anyone does, Un certified rehabbers as well as "well meaning raccoon underground people" are not going to help this situation.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY PLEASE GET YOUR RVS CERTIFICATION ASAP!!!!

Look at this lady!

Message edited 7/19/2008 6:04:06 PM.

Re: So sad, raccoon related

I'm sorry, but that is a bunch of crap. I would borroow live traps (like the ones you use to catch feral cats) and trap them myself. I could never let an animal be taken away from her babies, her euthanized and them left to die. Please try to get help for these little ones and soon.

Re: So sad, raccoon related

If you can catch them, maybe you can take them to an emergency vet. I once took baby opossums (sp?) there when I saw their mama hit on the road and the vet contacted a rescue org that took them.

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Hubby is going to probably cut a hole in the ceiling to get them out tonight. They are in such a tight spot that we can't get to them from the attic. My whole idea was to hire someone to get mom and babies and relocate them. All these places are saying that the state is not allowing this. I'm so upset and angry that this guy chose this route.

*I just went up again with heavy gloves, a cat carrier, and a flashlight. I went deep into the attic and I did not see them. Is it possible that they moved deeper into attic? or left?? I don't see how they could have left on their own.

Message edited 7/19/2008 9:03:48 PM.

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Re: So sad, raccoon related

Posted by MrsMessina

I know, it's true. It's awful. My brother had a racoon running all over his yard in the middle of the day a couple of years ago. Their daughter was between 2 and 3 at the time and they couldn't take any chances. He called someone to come and trap her and they told him that they would come trap them but then he'd have to call the police- who would come and SHOOT it on the spot!

Message edited 7/20/2008 12:38:57 AM.

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

bump for update

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

I'm SO glad you were able to save the babies! So sad about the mother.

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

Posted by nov04libride

I'm SO glad you were able to save the babies! So sad about the mother.

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

I'm glad to read they are still alive. I hope they find a good home in the wild through the rescue organization.

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

Posted by nov04libride

I'm SO glad you were able to save the babies! So sad about the mother.

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

Aww yay! Hoping they can do something tomorrow

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

Hubby went to Petco to buy KMR and a bottle. While he was there, there was a vet giving vaccinations. Hubby ask him if he knew of anyone who could take them. The vet called someone and left a message with hubby's cell number. Fingers crossed!

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**update**

Awww, awesome news!!!

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**another update**

My grandmother had a raccoon and babies in her attic. We tried to get them out and it scared them away. Once they left they never came back.

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**another update**

awwww. I feel so bad for mama getting seperated from the babies.

Did you try the Holtsville Ecology Center. I think they have raccoons there.

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**another update**

I once had a baby squirrel in my backyard and I took it to Sweetbriar in Smithtown. I don't know if they'll take the raccoon babies, but if you haven't tried them they may be worth a call....

It's so sad that they just let them die or euthanize them.

Here 's the linky: Sweetbriar

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**another update**

Re: So sad, raccoon related--**another update**

I just read your update and I want to say that I am so happy that you and your DH are trying to take care of these little guys! Please keep updating us. I hope these little ones make it.