Ontario wildlife sanctuary share update of raccoon found with impaired driver last week
Posted July 19, 2023 2:03 pm.
Last Updated July 19, 2023 2:07 pm.
An Ontario wildlife sanctuary provided an update on the condition of a baby raccoon that was found in the back seat with an impaired driver when he was pulled over in Huntsville, Ont. last week.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) made the arrest at a parking lot on Cann Street on the morning of July 12 after receiving calls from the public.
Officers located a baby raccoon in the back seat of the vehicle. It’s unclear why the man had the young animal with him at the time.
On Wednesday, the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau, Ont., shared an update, saying the young raccoon was transported to the facility shortly after for rehabilitation.
“Fondly known as Dewy (short for DUI), we are happy to report that the raccoon is doing well,” Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary wrote in a social media post.
“Dewy is about 8 to 10 weeks old and will remain here in quarantine for a few more days before joining other raccoons in our nursery. He will then be released back into the wild this fall.”
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The raccoon was not injured when it was discovered in the car.
A 39-year-old man from South River is facing charges of operation while impaired, cannabis readily available and breach of conditions.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, it is illegal to keep a native wild animal as a pet in the province of Ontario. This includes raccoons, squirrels, and foxes, for example.
The fine for keeping any native wildlife is $240.
