Raccoon

Description:

Baby Raccoon

Notes:

There was a huge storm late in June, 08 and we had a flash flood in the creek behind my house. As I ventured outside to photograph the hail and the rushing creek I heard the most terrible screaming. It sounded almost like a baby. As I ran toward the sound I saw four baby raccoons clinging to the trees for dear life. Then, I realized there was more screaming coming from farther down the creek where the water had quite a currant. It was then that I saw the tiniest of the babies being carried away by the water. I quickly leaped into the rushing water knowing that I was the only chance this little baby had! I was just able to grab hold of him before he slipped away for good and we made it to the shore but he was barely breathing. In the hours that followed I was able to nurse him back to health and finally he was able to join his brothers and sisters who had waited in the trees for him. Before he left he took a few minutes to linger in the tree and give me the most amazing photo opportunity. It was as if he was saying thank you! He came back to see me many times that summer and has brought his own family to see me more recently. That day changed me forever.