A Stormy Night Leaves One Baby Raccoon Stranded
In the quiet town of Belchertown, Massachusetts, a powerful storm swept through one night last week, leaving behind soaked earth, scattered branches — and one tiny animal in desperate need. When a local resident stepped outside the following morning, they discovered something unexpected: a small, shivering raccoon curled up alone on their porch.
The baby raccoon, barely two months old, was drenched, visibly weak, and clearly terrified. Thin and helpless, he lay in the grass just off the porch, his body trembling from the cold. It was immediately obvious to the homeowner that the little creature wouldn’t survive the day on his own.A Heartbreaking Discovery in the Grass
Without hesitation, the homeowner picked up the phone and contacted local animal control. Officer Sarah Byrnes quickly responded to the call, and upon seeing the young raccoon for herself, was overcome with emotion.“The little baby was cold and wet from the rainstorm we had the night before,” Byrnes said. “As soon as I saw him, my heart broke. He was drenched and looked so scared. He was definitely too young to be on his own.”Rescue Arrives Just in Time
Approaching gently so as not to frighten the animal, Byrnes wrapped him in a towel to warm him up. Her calm voice and careful movements offered the baby raccoon the first comfort he’d had in hours. She placed him in a crate to stabilize his body temperature.
Hoping to reunite him with his mother, Byrnes scanned the area for other raccoons. Unfortunately, there were no signs of any nearby. It seemed the little one had truly been left behind.Searching for Mom, But No One Appears
Uncertain of what to do next, Byrnes contacted the Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation, reaching founder Amelie Dricut-Ziter for advice.“I called the Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation for advice,” Byrnes explained. “Founder Amelie Dricut-Ziter]advised me to bring the baby to her.”Though chilled and showing early signs of hypothermia, the baby raccoon had miraculously avoided any serious injuries. Once he arrived at the center, the team placed him under close observation in quarantine.From Crisis to Care at Wildlife Rehab
“He’s doing fine,” Dricut-Ziter told The Dodo. “He’s eating, drinking, and being a raccoon.”The staff named the little raccoon Bud. With warmth, food, and expert care, Bud began to bounce back. Although he isn’t ready to be released into the wild just yet, he’s on a promising path.Bud will eventually be introduced to nearly two dozen other young raccoons at the rehabilitation center. Together, they’ll grow stronger and prepare for the day when they can return to their natural home in the wild.Bud’s Bright Future Ahead
Bud's story has touched many, even earning him attention from various news outlets. The Leyden Center shared his story in a Facebook post, praising ACO Byrnes for capturing his rescue and giving him a chance at life.
Thanks to one homeowner’s quick action, a compassionate animal control officer, and the dedicated team at the Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation, Bud’s journey won’t end in sadness. Instead, he has a hopeful future — and maybe even a little fame.
In the quiet town of Belchertown, Massachusetts, a powerful storm swept through one night last week, leaving behind soaked earth, scattered branches — and one tiny animal in desperate need. When a local resident stepped outside the following morning, they discovered something unexpected: a small, shivering raccoon curled up alone on their porch.
The baby raccoon, barely two months old, was drenched, visibly weak, and clearly terrified. Thin and helpless, he lay in the grass just off the porch, his body trembling from the cold. It was immediately obvious to the homeowner that the little creature wouldn’t survive the day on his own.A Heartbreaking Discovery in the GrassWithout hesitation, the homeowner picked up the phone and contacted local animal control. Officer Sarah Byrnes quickly responded to the call, and upon seeing the young raccoon for herself, was overcome with emotion.“The little baby was cold and wet from the rainstorm we had the night before,” Byrnes said. “As soon as I saw him, my heart broke. He was drenched and looked so scared. He was definitely too young to be on his own.”Rescue Arrives Just in Time
Approaching gently so as not to frighten the animal, Byrnes wrapped him in a towel to warm him up. Her calm voice and careful movements offered the baby raccoon the first comfort he’d had in hours. She placed him in a crate to stabilize his body temperature.
Hoping to reunite him with his mother, Byrnes scanned the area for other raccoons. Unfortunately, there were no signs of any nearby. It seemed the little one had truly been left behind.Searching for Mom, But No One AppearsUncertain of what to do next, Byrnes contacted the Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation, reaching founder Amelie Dricut-Ziter for advice.“I called the Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation for advice,” Byrnes explained. “Founder Amelie Dricut-Ziter]advised me to bring the baby to her.”Though chilled and showing early signs of hypothermia, the baby raccoon had miraculously avoided any serious injuries. Once he arrived at the center, the team placed him under close observation in quarantine.From Crisis to Care at Wildlife Rehab
“He’s doing fine,” Dricut-Ziter told The Dodo. “He’s eating, drinking, and being a raccoon.”The staff named the little raccoon Bud. With warmth, food, and expert care, Bud began to bounce back. Although he isn’t ready to be released into the wild just yet, he’s on a promising path.Bud will eventually be introduced to nearly two dozen other young raccoons at the rehabilitation center. Together, they’ll grow stronger and prepare for the day when they can return to their natural home in the wild.Bud’s Bright Future Ahead
Bud's story has touched many, even earning him attention from various news outlets. The Leyden Center shared his story in a Facebook post, praising ACO Byrnes for capturing his rescue and giving him a chance at life.
Thanks to one homeowner’s quick action, a compassionate animal control officer, and the dedicated team at the Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation, Bud’s journey won’t end in sadness. Instead, he has a hopeful future — and maybe even a little fame.
