ARIZONA NEWS

Prescott baby raccoon finds a new home after invading a woman’s backyard

Jul 4, 2023, 8:00 PM

 

PHOENIX — Raccoons may be known as notorious food thieves, but one baby raccoon in Prescott stole more than just grub. He also stole the hearts of a few public officials.

It all started when a Prescott resident called police to report a “possibly injured” animal in her yard Monday morning. Officer Grant Pithie responded to the call at around 5 a.m. and took the little critter in without incident.

Animal services officer Sarah Lemons then evaluated the baby raccoon.

“He was found to be uninjured, but could not be returned to the wild,” according to a statement from the Prescott Valley Police Department. “Heritage Park Zoo was contacted and agreed to take the raccoon.”

The zoological sanctuary sits on ten acres north of Prescott at 1403 Heritage Park Road. It welcomes visitors for picnics, interactive animal experiences and tours. One of its most popular exhibits is the Tarantula Grotto, which shows off spiders from all over the globe.

“This is one of the largest public displays of spiders in the country,” according to the park’s site.

Prescott Valley Police Department is currently looking to hire animal service officers like Lemons. Animal lovers who want to help rehabilitate baby raccoons can sign up on Prescott’s website.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

2 hours ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

3 hours ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

11 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

12 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

13 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Prescott baby raccoon finds a new home after invading a woman’s backyard