Jim Thebarge and his family have always had a passion for animals!
For the past two decades, they have found great happiness in providing food for the stray cats in their Connecticut neighborhood.
The kindness of the Thebarge family soon attracted more animals, leading to a parade of furry friends seeking tasty treats.
They were always eager to assist and would never consider refusing an animal in distress.
This was clearly exemplified when a particular critter, caught in a troubling predicament, turned to them for help.
Unexpected Visitor
One evening, the family began to hear unusual sounds at their front door. Since they regularly leave food out for the animals on their porch, they assumed it was just a hungry furry friend enjoying the treats.
“We have warm food and water bowls on our back porch to ensure the cats have access to hot meals and hydration during the freezing weather. Additionally, we provide five heated pet beds in our garage for any that need warmth during cold or snowy nights,” Thebarge explained to The Dodo.
When they cautiously checked to see what was going on, they were surprised. It wasn’t a cat or dog at all; it was evident that this animal needed help as it had a jar stuck on its head.
“We think he showed up knowing we would come to his aid,” Thebarge remarked.
Upon closer examination, the family identified the visitor as a bewildered and hungry raccoon.
This poor raccoon was trying to maneuver with the jar restricting his head while attempting to eat and drink from the bowls, all in vain.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the family was determined to assist him quickly, as they didn’t want him to flee. Despite his desire for help, the raccoon was so disoriented that he instinctively bolted whenever someone got near.
They reached out to various organizations for assistance. Ultimately, a local wildlife rehabilitation center in Connecticut responded and sent someone to set up a trap to catch the raccoon and liberate him from the jar.
However, by the time the rescuers arrived, the raccoon had successfully escaped.
Thebarge felt confident that the famished raccoon would return to the food source, so he devised a plan to ensnare him.
The Rescue Operation
Thebarge had a hunch, and sure enough, the raccoon returned, promptly walking right into the trap he set.
“I attached a rope to the back porch door and extended it into the backyard. Within 30 minutes of the rescue team’s departure, the raccoon reappeared at the food bowl, eager to eat and drink. I was able to pull the door shut with the rope, successfully trapping him on the porch. We called the rescue team, who returned within half an hour,” Thebarge recounted.
The rescuers then managed to carefully approach the raccoon and remove the jar from his head, freeing him at last.
Following a quick examination to ensure his well-being, they released him back into the wild where he was meant to be.
Both the rescuers and the Thebarge family felt a tremendous relief and joy at having aided another animal in distress.
However, this was not the last encounter with this little fellow.
Two weeks later, the raccoon returned to express his gratitude, visiting daily for delightful meals, clean water, and the comforting presence of his rescuers.
A Final Note
It’s essential to keep in mind that raccoons can carry rabies and potentially transmit it through bites to humans.
Given the fatal nature of rabies, it’s vital to avoid approaching any raccoon or animal you suspect may be carrying this virus.
The best course of action is to reach out to your local wildlife sanctuary or rescue organization to manage the situation, as they are well-equipped to handle such encounters.
