[See moderator's note at end of post. BIG] Hi all, This is not ferret related and I'm sorry for posting it to this list but I didn't know what else to do. I need help with a baby racoon and was wondering if any of you had any experience with them. One of my co-workers gave it to me. She has had it for about 4 weeks and didn't have the time to devote to the little dear. I don't know how old he is but his eyes have been open for about 6 days if that helps. I have tried searching for info on racoons on the web but have had no luck. I just want to know about weaning him and what I should feed him when I do. He is being bottle fed animal formula now and seems to be doing ok on it. I definately plan on taking him to the vet but it probably won't be for another 2 weeks or so till I can afford it. Any help would be greatly appreciated! As far as info,good sources on the web ect. Please e-mail me privately as to not clog up the list. Sorry again and thanks in advance!!! Sean [Moderator's note: Posts like these arrive now and then and I usually keep them off the list. Not that I don't care -- I answer them myself -- but they really aren't ferret-related enough to be appropriate. The FML is light today and since the question comes up now and then, let me suggest on the list some places to get help -- perhaps it will help others in this predicament. Most of us on the list are animal lovers after all! In general, when you encounter a wild animal which needs help, the best thing to do usually is to contact a wildlife rehabber. It doesn't matter so much what kind of animal it is -- it's more important to make the contact with the rehab agency than worry about who has the most knowledge about the specfic species. But how to find a wildlife rehabilitator? They are usually licensed by the state. They are often private, trained individuals who volunteer their services, but some states also have salaried rehabbers. So, step one: see if there is a logical state agency (oxymoron?) who can point you in the right direction. For example, in New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation is in charge of wildlife. If you can't get anywhere there, most veterinary offices -- especially those in more rural areas -- will know who to call. It's fine to call a vet and say you found an injured animal and ask for a pointer. Vets normally restrict their practices to domesticated animals (or course, there are exceptions) and refer these cases elsewhere anyhow. If you still get nowhere, check local zoos -- often wildlife rehabbers colaborate with zoo vets, since those vets are often they only ones in the area with training appropriate for non-domestic animals. Finally, one good list you can check with is the Wildlife Rehabbers List at [log in to unmask] I'd probably use them more as a last resort than as a first try though, since you want to get help fast rather than sitting around hoping someone answers your email. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 2290]