Very Young Raccoon

[Flying Panda]

I live in a very rural area of WV about two miles off a secondary highway accessible by a dirt & gravel road. On my way out today I spotted this little fuzz ball sitting in front of a house up near the highway. It was a young and very small raccoon. It was trying to feed off some scrap food lying off the side of the road. Once in the viewfinder I noticed he/she did not look too healthy. Captured a couple of images before it ran off into the brush. Really felt sad for it.

JT

 

[Tropicalmemories]

Interesting wildlife image - but he's a sad sight, hope he survives.

 

[Soocom1]

He looks like he had a fight with a grease pit.
Look at his paws and the rest of his body and he looks like he took a swim in something.

Interesting shot, and good to give a goodly breadth to.
if he was disorientated, I would say rabies.

 

[Flying Panda]

if he was disorientated, I would say rabies

No, I think he/she is just having a rough time surviving. No rabies, but I didn't see its mother or any siblings. Being that young and by itself during the day is unusual. It had been raining a few hours before so the appearance of its fur may contribute to he/she looking so straggly. The greasy look is mud from a near by spring. Most raccoons are normally tidy in appearance which makes me think this is an untrained orphan.
BTW, thanks to you guys for your kind comments!

 

[Jeff15]

Let's all hope he survives......