Every West Texan thinks they’re tough–until they meet a wild animal with an attitude problem. And if you’ve ever tried wrangling your cat when it doesn’t want to go to the vet, you already know you’re one bad decision away from starring in your own horror movie.
Which brings us to today’s cautionary tale–and a valuable lesson for anyone in Lubbock who’s ever said, “Aww, look at that little guy…I bet I can help him.”
A Georgia Man Tried It…And Immediately Regretted His Decision to ‘Help’
A man over in Georgia spotted an injured raccoon on the side of the road and decided, in a moment of Disney-level optimism, to rescue it. He wrapped the raccoon in his coat, hugged it against his chest, and drove for over an hour.
Let’s stop right there.
A raccoon.
Against his chest.
For an HOUR.
Naturally, the raccoon did what raccoons do: it woke up, took one look at the situation, and chomped the man’s face and hands like it was chomping down on a brisket sandwich.
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So the guy backed off, grabbed a blanket, added duct tape–as one does–and kept driving to a nature center.
And Then It Got Worse (Because of Course It Did)
The nature center staff took one look at the injured raccoon–then one look at the injured man–and “forcefully encouraged” him to get himself to a hospital immediately.
Turns out, the raccoon had rabies.
Yep. Rabies.
So the guy went through all that trouble, all that blood loss, and all that duct tape–for nothing–except possible rabies. Zero payoff. Not even a “thank you” from the raccoon.
The Lesson for Lubbock: CALL. A. PROFESSIONAL.
Here in Lubbock, we love animals–but that does NOT mean we should start rescuing wild ones like we’re auditioning for Animal Planet.
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If you find an injured raccoon, skunk, coyote, or anything that looks like it might have a taste for human flesh:
Do not touch it.
Do not hug it.
Do not wrap it in your coat like a newborn baby.
Call animal control, a licensed rehabilitator, or literally anyone who isn’t you.
Because whether you’re in Georgia or here in the Hub City, there’s one universal truth:
Raccoons do not want a ride in your car. Not now. Not ever.
Building the Caprock Cafe on 82nd!
Gallery Credit: Caprock Cafe
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Gallery Credit: Landon King