Not every bit of news involving the police has to do with a chase or apprehending a suspect. Sometimes, it’s about an officer rescuing a baby raccoon from being tangled in a soccer net at the park.
The Coconut Creek Police Department must have had quite a time figuring out the safest way to help the little guy get out safely. According to the photoshoot that the police department posted to their Facebook page, it seems as though everything went smoothly.
The caption also reveals that the officers ensured that this rescue was performed by specialists who know what they are doing. Animal Services Officer O’Neil was the one to actually hold onto the raccoon in the end.
It was also revealed that the little raccoon was safely sent back to the nearby forest. However, it is not clear if the animal’s family was located or if it was simply freed on its own.
Animal Services Officer O’Neil Stepped Into Mom Mode
The information about where the specific soccer net was located was not disclosed, but it was revealed to simply be “a park.” Judging by the images, it looks like the animal wasn’t too terribly stuck, but it must have been enough to trap its little body.
After looking at the images a bit more, the soccer net also appears to be facing away from the playing field. So, it might be safe to say that the raccoon wasn’t in a whole lot of danger if no one was actively playing with the net. There’s no telling what could have happened if someone were.
The very bottom of the post’s caption lets readers know who really came to save the day, reading, “Animal Services Officer O’Neil became Momma Raccoon, freeing the little one from his kerfuffle and sending him back into the forest.”
If You See a Wild Raccoon, Resist the Urge To Adopt It
Realistically, should you ever come across a wild raccoon, or any animal for that matter, keep your distance. While this particular raccoon was not reported to have any illnesses or viruses, you never truly know what an animal can carry that could also affect you.
Additionally, you should avoid feeding wildlife, as it could encourage more to return to the area. Ideally, you should try to ignore a wild animal, though there are exceptions. You should call your local animal control or wildlife agency if the animal you find is unusually aggressive or appears sick or injured.
If you find a baby raccoon alone, avoid immediately intervening. The mother may be nearby and could return for it. If the baby appears injured, weak, or has been alone for many hours, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
Commenters Were Mostly Concerned About One Very Important Thing: Mom
There were a few commenters who left replies underneath the Coconut Creek Police Department’s Facebook post. Most of them simply praise raccoons as a whole and hope that the animal is safe.
The top comments read, “Poor baby! Hope they found their mama!” and “Hope mom is there.” Similarly, another just reads, “Raccoons are the best.”
It was also not disclosed if someone had called the police station about the animal or if it had been noticed by an officer, but it’s clear that there were good people ready to pounce on the opportunity to be heroes. Now, the raccoon is safe and hopefully, on its way back home.