How do you care for a baby raccoon whose mother was killed?

1. Safety first.

* Wear gloves to protect yourself from sharp claws.

* Keep the raccoon away from other pets.

* If the raccoon is injured, seek medical attention.

2. Provide a warm, safe place to sleep.

* A cardboard box, lined with a soft towel, is a good option.

* Place a heating pad under half of the towel so the raccoon can move away from the heat if desired.

3. Feed the raccoon a kitten formula.

* You can find kitten formula at most pet stores.

* Feed the raccoon small amounts, every few hours.

* To feed, place the kitten formula on your finger and gently bring it to the raccoon's mouth.

4. Offer water to the raccoon.

* Provide a shallow dish of water.

* Encourage the raccoon to drink water by gently dipping your finger in the water and bringing it to the raccoon's mouth.

5. Stimulate the raccoon to go to the bathroom.

* Gently rub the raccoon's belly with a warm, wet cloth.

* This will help to stimulate the raccoon to go to the bathroom.

6. Keep the raccoon's environment clean.

* Change the raccoon's bedding daily.

* Clean the raccoon's food and water dishes.

* Clean any areas where the raccoon has gone to the bathroom.

7. Socialize the raccoon.

* Once the raccoon is healthy, and old enough, and you have the proper permits and/or licenses, start introducing it to other people and animals.

8. Gradually let the raccoon spend more and more time outdoors.

* Once the raccoon is fully grown, it will need to be released into the wild.