Raccoon Ridge Rehab

10/14/2026

They did start lapping from a syringe this AM, possums do not suckle like other species, mom’s teat goes down their throat till they are old enough to start climbing on her back, that’s about the size these babies are now. This is when they start falling off mom and become orphaned. Momma possums don’t go looking for their babies, they make a clicking sound but if the baby doesn’t hear it, he will be left. Never leave an orphaned baby Oppossum for mom to come get it, she won’t and it will die! It should be around 8-9in long not including the tail to be on its own.

10/13/2026

4 little baby possums came in today from Pontiac, dead mom found nearby. 3 girls and 1 boy averaging 65gm, I’ll get a better picture of all of them tomorrow, appears to be in good shape considering. Thank you to Cheri Kruger for rescuing them and driving them out here.

10/07/2026

10/07/2026

BECOMING A LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR
So many people SAY they want to help by becoming licensed to rehabilitate wildlife. Well, here's your chance to find out if this is really a good fit for you.

SATURDAY, November 14 from noon to 4 pm
Oaken Acres will host a meeting and our staff will:
~ Have IDNR applications here you can fill out with our help.
~ Explain the pros and cons of becoming licensed.
~ Explain the rehabilitators need for a veterinarian to work with them.
~ Invite our IDNR CPO to address the rehabber's relationship with CPOs
~ Help you understand the volunteer vetting process and not just taking anyone who offers.
~ Talk about the pros and cons of social media once you are licensed
~ Suggest some easy fundraising tips
~ Make sure you understand that this is not a money making operation. It's not a zoo or nature park or circus, it's a place of healing for the patients.
~ Advise you about becoming a 501c3 charitable organization.
~ Address how this can affect you personally, financially, and emotionally.

That's a lot to cover, I know. But we know how to talk fast and be efficient 😉
We'll start off with some pizza and introductions and go from there. Please email [email protected] by October 30 if you are interested. There is no cost to you. This is open to anyone in Illinois. Hope we get some interested people.
~

10/01/2026

On October 1st, International Raccoon Appreciation Day encourages people to learn more about raccoons and protect the raccoon’s natural habitat.

09/24/2026

Thank you to whoever sent 2 bags of Purina Puppy Chow, my ‘puppies’ have all been released now so cheap Ole Roy or Kibbles and Bits will work just fine.
Thank you❤️

09/24/2026

Update:
She died last night, really sad what these innocent animals have to suffer though. Thank you to all that sent positive wishes💔

Got this juvenile girl in today from Shorewood, worst case of mange I’ve ever seen. Took her to Fairbury vet clinic for IV line to give fluids, Megan did an awesome job finding an accessible vein on her back inner leg. Meds and fluids given so now it’s up to her and time.

09/10/2026

This is what we need, lots of milkweed for the monarch butterflies. I have let a lot of my (used to be mowed) yard area grow up with wildflowers. You don’t need a perfectly manicured yard, Monarchs are getting sparse, close to being endangered so help them out. The first photo is the caterpillar stage, then the pupa stage before hatching into the beautiful butterflies. The whole process takes about 30 days.

09/10/2026

At just 2.7 grams, this little Common Musk Turtle might just be the smallest turtle ever admitted at the rehab!! Thankfully, there is nothing wrong with him and he was admitted to the rehab center just because of his size. Since he IS so small, we are going to overwinter him here at the center to give him a better chance of survival.

Musk turtles are small freshwater turtle measuring just 3 to 5 inches long. It is known for its ability to release a foul musky odor from scent glands on the edge of its shell, earning the nickname stinkpot. These turtles inhabit slow-moving or still wetlands, ponds and streams and can tolerate low-oxygen waters better than many other turtles.

Threats to musk turtles include habitat loss and degradation, as well as pollution, road mortality and illegal collection. While these turtles are generally considered widespread with stable populations, they’re primarily active at night, making them difficult to see.

09/04/2026

Little grey squirrels came in on 8/28 from Paul Kridner of Pontiac, 2 did not survive but other two now have eyes opened and doing good. They will be out of the incubator soon and will join my older black squirrel. Hoping for a warmer fall for release yet this year.
I really would like to be done this year as it’s been a rough one with my husband dying in June, distemper outbreak in the wild raccoons here and all over the state, horrible drought ( very important when you are on well water) and the brutal heat. I still took in over 50 animals and all but the squirrels have been released.
Thank you to everyone for their support this year and I’ll have to see what next year brings, I’m not getting any younger and this ‘passion’ has so much heartbreak, it has taken a toll on me and a lot of Rehabbers.