I had this encounter with this Raccoon several years ago and I wanted to share it again since I have a lot more visitors to my site now.
I was driving down a gravel road at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma when I saw a Raccoon walking near the road. I pulled over and got out of my vehicle to see if I could get a few photos before it ran off. To my surprise the Raccoon came toward me instead of running away. Now remember this is a refuge that allows certain types of hunting so most encounters of wildlife are brief. As the Raccoon got closer I started backing up to get near my vehicle because I knew something was not right. The Raccoon stopped and held up its paw and I noticed a sore spot on it. I decided to move away from my vehicle but also moving at an angle away from the Raccoon to try and get a better view of the injury. The Raccoon began following me down the road. I decided to take a chance and just remain still and see how close the Raccoon would get to me. It walked up to me and sniffed my boots and then held up its paw. (I had a telephoto lens on my camera so I couldn’t capture it sniffing my boots.) I talked to the Raccoon for a few seconds and it finally walked into a wooded area and disappeared.
28 Comments
sad
These are such incredible close photos of this raccoon. The 2nd one he pleads with you to help him. The last photo a precious encounter. Thanks for sharing again.
Sad indeed. The look in the eyes of this injured Raccoon really tugs on the heart strings. Although I only can speculate, it appears to have been in an altercation with another animal, possibly even another Raccoon. The paw wound in this case could eventually prove to be it’s undoing as they use their front paws to feel out certain types of food such as crayfish, etc. Animal survival, as you know, depends in part, on being healthy. Such are the ways of nature. Thank you for re-posting this article.
So true Blair! I always think about that Raccoon when I drive by that area.
That raccoon chose the right guy to share his pain with. These are amazing photos of a incredibly touching encounter.
Thank you Robyn!
Breaks my heart – even though raccoons are often “the bane of my existence” I hate to see any animal in pain. I agree with the others that it seemed to be begging for help. Poor thing. Your photos are fabulous Steve.
Thank you Barbara!
This is a very touching moment and why animals are so special. You wonder what they are thinking. It makes me wonder that they are not so very different than us.
As I grow older, it is harder for me to hunt. The last three years I bought a Wisconsin gun deer license but ended up walking around and actually doing very little “hunting”. I guess I can no longer inflict pain on any animal. I feed deer year around and if I am lucky, a doe will have her fawns right in my backyard. I’m not anti-hunting, just saying that for me the thrill of the sport has passed me by. This hits home hard when I see photos as these that Steve has taken. Short of capturing the coon and taking him to a wildlife vet, there was probably nothing that could be done. The injury looks to be from a leghold trap, probably set illegally. The wound looks healthy and seems to be healing and at least one can hope that is what occurred. Thanks, Steve, for allowing us all to feel our humanity in a world that does not allow much time for that anymore.
Greg Topp
Hayward, Wi
Thank you so much Greg! My thoughts at the time was not to do anything for the Raccoon after watching and seeing that it was able to use the sore foot.
Robbie, you are correct, animals are special.
Well there are tears in my eyes and a pain in my heart for this brave little guy, coming right up to you to show you his pain. It doesn’t look swollen, but really inflamed. He also isn’t fat and sassy as others you have posted. I agree with Robyn, he chose the right person to come to. There is almost resigination in his eyes, as if he knows he doesn’t have long to live if he doesn’t get better soon. One of the hardest things about working in wildlife is letting nature take it’s course. Greg, my dad went through the same thing when we lived on the farm in Ohio. After seeing “Bambi” he lost his desire to hunt, not even rabbits or squirrls.
As more and more animal behavior is studied, we find how sensitive they really are and how much we are all intertwined. One reason I cannot go to deer camp with my friends.
Poor thing! Amazing experience and fantastic shots though! I hope it gets well!!
Such a sad look on its face…probably one on your face as well :O( Having encountered injured animals/birds before I am often amazed at how trusting they are when they need help. The fable of the lion and the mouse….Aesop knew what he was talking about.
Sweet boy! Maybe he is holding his foot up in an attempt to keep it clean. Raccoons are smart like that. A surprising encounter for sure, in that he didn’t run from you.
When is your book coming out Steve?
Lili, I have so many stories I wouldn’t know where to start telling about all the encounters I have had with wildlife. I’m just glad I wised up and started capturing them via photos.
Real nice photo set Steve
Oh Steve, this is the most touching story…I just kept staring at that precious little raccoon holding up it’s paw for you to look at…and the expression on it’s face that you captured on film is just amazing…I absolutely LOVE this post…it’s one of my favorites!! Most animals are afraid of humans…it must have sensed the kindness in your heart!
Poor little guy! Love the photos, but can’t help worry about him and whether he was able to heal OK.
Excellent post and well handled!
Did you ever try to get in touch with a wildlife rehabber to get some real help for this raccoon? There are many of us in the state who are licensed to help wildlife.
Julie, I didn’t notify anyone because I felt the Raccoon would survive without help.
Steve, the sentiments of people who responded to the crisis of the raccoon helps to renew my faith in humans. I would not mind having any of them as my neighbor. You will have to start carrying some bandaids and antibiotic ointment.
Absolutely love this post! Had a raccoon for a pet before and loved to interact with it! They really are smart animals and good at reading us humans! This one obviously could tell you were a nice guy!
How did I miss these?! Wonderful pics Steve. I hope that gorgeous little critter recovered, they are one of my favourite mammals in Florida.
He looks like a young guy. Seems like humans have been feeding him for him to come to you like that. LOVE YOUR WORK!
2/10/13 I was driving down the rode and a racoon ran across the rod and i pot on my brackes hit him on accindent and then i got out of my car and pick him up and brot him home he is stell hurting.
Sorry to hear about this Adam. I suggest that you call your local Game Warden and he may have advice on what to do with the raccoon.