Wild raccoon has surgery to remove eye after he was caught in crab trap

Palm Coast Observer
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by: Amy Wade-Carotenuto

Executive Director, Flagler Humane Society

Recently, Flagler Animal Services (Animal Control), which works within Flagler Humane Society, was called out to rescue an injured raccoon. The curious raccoon had been injured while trying to free himself from a crab trap — yes, a crab trap.

The young male raccoon's left eye was punctured to the point where the eye was not salvageable. He needed surgery. Surgery on wild animals, especially a raccoon, isn't commonly performed. Although any warm-blooded animal can host the rabies virus, it is a bit more common in raccoons, so most hospitals won't see raccoons. Sick or injured raccoons are most often euthanized.

This little guy was so young though, and otherwise healthy. We began to call around to see if a hospital or rehab facility that specialized in wildlife would care for him.

Dr. Thomas Frieberg to the rescue.

I messaged Tina Freiberg, Dr. Freiberg's wife. Between Dr. Freiberg and his wife, they have the love and compassion of a thousand people. They will do anything to help an animal in need. I sent them a photo of the injured baby. They simply said, "Can you have him here by noon?"

So, yes, FHS employee Jaden rushed the injured raccoon down to Freiberg’s Healing Paws in Ormond Beach.

The staff carefully examined and cleaned up the little wild baby. Freiberg performed surgery to remove the painful and useless eye. The raccoon’s recovery began immediately. Jaden picked the raccoon up that afternoon and volunteered to care for the baby until a facility was found that would be willing to accept the raccoon who we named “Tommy” after Dr. Thomas Freiberg.

Tommy is doing quite well. He drinks out of a bottle and eats bananas, but his favorite food is grapes. He snuggles under his blankets and plays with cat toys. Jaden is handling him as little as possible so that he can remain as wild as he was born to be.

At this point, the plan is for Tommy to go to The Ark Wildlife Care and Sanctuary. He may never be able to live as a completely wild animal, as he would be susceptible to predators and other dangers like traffic since he only has sight on one side. He may remain at the sanctuary where he will have space to act out normal behaviors yet still be protected.

Thanks to Dr, Freiberg and his amazing staff, Tommy has a chance at life.