Female raccoon Scout came to the Zoo Sanctuary from the Department of Fish and Game in 1998.

She’s a confiscated illegal wild “pet” who learned to like dry cat chow. Raccoons, skunks and opossums are experts at finding free food in neighborhoods. If you feed your pets outside, you might have some wild animal visitors stepping up to the bowl. Always pick up fallen fruit and nuts, and secure garbage can lids; never provide food for wild animals and discourage your neighbors from this practice, too. Raccoons as “pets” are adept at opening cupboards and drawers, catching the family goldfish, and being surly when crossed.