Orphaned raccoons are going through 'boot camp' before returning to the wild
Wildlife rehabbers are literally teaching baby raccoons to forage, fish, flee danger and distrust human traps.
At Woodside Wildlife Rescue in Mississippi, orphaned and injured baby raccoons go through what staff call 'raccoon boot camp.' Rehabbers teach them to dig for food, fish, climb away from danger and recognize traps before releasing them after roughly six months.
Why it matters
Wildlife rehabilitation is more complicated than feeding an injured animal until it looks healthy. Young animals that lose their mothers may also lose the chance to learn survival behaviors.
How much agreement is there?
Broad agreement. Wildlife rehabilitators generally agree that animals released into the wild need appropriate survival skills and should not become dependent on people.
Could someone help?
Licensed wildlife rescues often need volunteers, supplies and donations. If someone finds injured wildlife, contacting a licensed rehabilitator is safer than trying to raise it themselves.
Published: September 21, 2026.