Encounters with wild animals in urban areas are quite rare. However, city streets can pose significant dangers to these animals, who are not accustomed to such environments.
On a particular day in Hewlett, New York, a passerby was startled by unusual noises emanating from a storm drain.
What he discovered inside was beyond his imagination.
Wildlife Rescuers Save The Day
Upon closer inspection of the drain, the man spotted an adult raccoon nearby, frantically calling down into the abyss.
At the bottom, he was shocked to see a small, furry ball. This was a frightened baby raccoon, trapped and desperately needing assistance.
Without hesitation, this compassionate individual contacted a local wildlife rescue in Hewlett. As soon as she received the call, Karenlynn Stracher was on her way.
Seeing that little, terrified creature tugged at her heartstrings.
The hole was quite deep, leading Karenlynn to realize she couldn’t handle this rescue alone. Thus, she enlisted the help of another rescuer, John Debacker, and a local emergency service unit.
Once everyone arrived, they wasted no time.
“John jumped in to make the initial grab,” said Stracher in an interview with The Dodo. “I stayed up top to secure it.”
The rescue was not easy, given the depth of the hole and the frightened state of the baby raccoon, but they managed to rescue her successfully.
Karenlynn documented the heroic effort on her TikTok and shared the video under her profile @wildliferehab_kl.
@wildliferehab_kl
https://gofund.me/a50bb5d9
#raccoon
#raccoonrescue
#babyraccoon
#stormdrain
#klandjohn
#johnandkl
#everylifematters
#goodsamaritan
#animalrescue
#animalrescuestory
#wildliferescue
@johndebacker
♬ original sound – KL the Wildlife Rehabilitator
She Fit Perfectly Into A New Family
Even after her rescue from the dark drain, the baby raccoon remained frightened and disoriented. It’s understandable, given the abrupt change in her surroundings.
With her mother gone and unfamiliar faces surrounding her after such a harrowing experience, it was a daunting situation.
Nonetheless, she soon understood that these individuals posed no threat. Her tension eased, and the worried expression on her face faded.
The rescuers aimed to reunite her with her mother; however, due to impending heavy storms, this became unfeasible.
Fortunately, Karenlynn, with her extensive experience, knew precisely the right course of action for the baby raccoon.
She entrusted the raccoon to a licensed rehabilitation center. Although the new environment was initially challenging, the little raccoon quickly adjusted and began to thrive among other rescued raccoons.
“She was welcomed into a group of other orphans, where they were raised collectively as a family,” shared Stracher.
Eventually, all of these raccoons were released back into the wild. While the journey ahead may be tough, they will always have each other.
People Were Overjoyed With Their Venture
This isn’t the first instance of Karenlynn stepping in to rescue a wild animal. Her TikTok video prompted an outpouring of positive feedback.
Viewers expressed their admiration and appreciation for the selfless act, with one commenter exclaiming: “Heroes!”
Another noted: “Thank you!!!! It’s been so long since I heard that baby raccoon sound. I thought it was a bird at first!”
One more added: “No longer cold & wet!! Yay!!🥰🥰👍”
Karenlynn’s story is truly inspirational; she’s a retired paramedic from NYC who helped save hundreds of lives. Now, she dedicates her life to helping animals.
This rescue may not be the last for her, but she aims to match the number of rescues to the lives she has saved.
If you wish to support her future rescues, even a small donation through Karenlynn Starcher’s fundraiser can potentially save the lives of future baby raccoons in need.
