FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protective Services

(772) 388-3331 or (772) 473-6889 - cell

E-mail: idaniel@hsvb.org

Photos: Janet Winikoff/Humane Society of Vero Beachf

Humane Society Rescues Rare Hairless Raccoon

(Vero Beach, FL) When Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County’s Ilka Daniel was called to help an unidentified animal found in a dumpster, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Working with Vero Beach Animal Control Officer Bruce Dangerfield and Vero Beach Police Officer John Grenzenbach, Daniel was able to catch the animal and identify him as a hairless raccoon.

Soon after his capture, Daniel transported the adult male raccoon to the Humane Society. According to Daniel and veterinarian Lyndall Soule, the raccoon is dehydrated but doesn’t appear to be sick or have mange and is in otherwise good health. Daniel is astonished by this unusual but frightened animal with big dark eyes “He’s an absolutely amazing creature. It’s just incredible that he’s survived so well.” Upon his arrival at the shelter, Daniel was able to provide the raccoon with food and water. “He seemed to realize that we were trying to help him,” she said.

One of the greatest lessons Daniel hopes people will learn is not to be frightened of the mysterious. “People may jump to conclusions when they see animals like this raccoon, and may even be frightened” she remarked. But Daniel added that careful observation of an animal’s body and behavior can often provide a logical explanation.

Since the raccoon was discovered near the heavily trafficked Indian River Boulevard and Florida law mandates that raccoons can only be released in the area where they were found, The Humane Society will be attempting to place the animal at a wildlife sanctuary to ensure his safety and well-being.

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