Found a Baby Raccoon in Florida? What to Do, and Why You Can't Keep It
The short answer: leave it alone and watch from a distance. FWC says baby animals are rarely orphaned; the mother is often nearby. If it's hurt or clearly abandoned, call a wildlife rehabilitator. You can't keep it: Florida never allows injured, orphaned or abandoned native animals as pets. Family in your attic? Call (844) 264-6254.
Is it really an orphan?
FWC says that, generally, a baby animal found on its own should be left alone. Animals are rarely actually orphaned: the parent may be searching for food or watching from a distance. It asks people not to pick up baby animals or take them out of their surroundings (FWC).
Timing helps. UF/IFAS says Florida raccoon litters are generally born in March and April, with three or four young on average (UF/IFAS). A young raccoon seen in spring or early summer often has a mother close by.
When to call for help
- It's injured, visibly sick, or in immediate danger, such as in a road or with a pet.
- You know the mother is dead, or you're not sure. A wildlife rehabilitator can tell you whether to step in.
- Who to call: FWC says to note where the animal is and contact a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, or the FWC regional office if you can't reach one. FWC keeps a list of permitted rehabilitators by county (FWC).
Why you can't keep it
Florida law doesn't allow it. FWC says injured, orphaned or abandoned native animals are never eligible to be kept as personal pets in Florida, and pet permits are only issued for animals from a legal source (FWC). FWC also says keeping injured or orphaned wildlife longer than it takes to get it to a rehabilitator is a violation of Florida law, and caring for wildlife needs an FWC rehabilitation permit (FWC).
Don't touch it bare-handed
Florida DOH names raccoons and bats as the main wildlife sources of rabies in Florida, usually spread through bites (Florida DOH). Even a small raccoon can bite or scratch. If anyone is bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water and call your doctor and county health department.
If the family is in your attic or under your house
A mother raccoon may raise her kits in an attic or under a house. The young have to come out with the mother, not be left behind or sealed in, and the opening is closed after. Our guides to raccoons in the attic, raccoon mating season in Florida and raccoon trapping rules explain how that works. See also raccoon removal, or call (844) 264-6254.