Nova Scotia

3 baby raccoons rescued after being swept into Truro storm drain

An intense rain storm created a unique problem for police in Truro, N.S. this week. They were called to rescue three baby raccoons that had been swept into a storm drain.

Kits trapped in storm drain after intense rain hit the region

Man in police uniform holds raccoon.
A Truro, N.S., police officer holds a raccoon kit that was rescued from a storm drain. (Truro Police Service)

An intense rainstorm created a unique problem for police in Truro, N.S., this week. They were called to rescue three baby raccoons that had been swept into a storm drain.

Neighbours in the Harris Avenue area of the town heard the kits and called police. Police Chief David MacNeil said his officer had his work cut out for him.

"He put on some safety gloves, for starters," MacNeil said. "And he was able to lay down on his stomach in a proned-out position and he was able to reach down into the drain and pluck the baby raccoons from harm's way one by one."

MacNeil said two of the raccoons weren't too happy with the situation. The third was quite affectionate and even posed for a photo with his rescuer.

All three animals were OK, and MacNeil said they've been handed over to provincial wildlife officers for relocation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blair Rhodes

Reporter

Blair Rhodes has been a journalist for more than 40 years, the last 31 with CBC. His primary focus is on stories of crime and public safety. He can be reached at blair.rhodes@cbc.ca