Two new adorable raccoon kits can now be seen in Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s Forest & Wetlands area. Five-month-old siblings, Hickory and Bluebell, are already making themselves at home and exploring their habitat with curiosity. They can be spotted climbing stumps and splashing through their stream.
“These two are incredibly inquisitive,” says keeper Miranda. “They’re always investigating and handling everything they find, but after their busy antics, they’re quick to crash for a nap.”
Miranda says Hickory frequently gets the zoomies, while Bluebell tends to be more reserved. If you listen closely, you might hear Bluebell making little sounds toward her brother and the keepers. Their favorite treats are egg yolk, with Hickory having a particular fondness for mealworms.
“We’re thrilled for our visitors to see these two grow up here,” Miranda adds. “They offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about living with backyard wildlife.”
The kits were found orphaned during routine tree work at the Memphis Zoo and rescued. With the approval of Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, the zoo was granted permission to hand raise them and find them a new home. The kits arrived at Northwest Trek in August, where they have been getting to know their keepers and new home in a behind-the-scenes environment until now.
Raccoons, which range from Southern Canada to Northern South America, are often seen as a nuisance when they raid trash or find shelter in or under properties. To prevent conflicts with these clever creatures, it’s best to avoid feeding them, keep pet food indoors, lock pet doors at night, secure garbage, and block access to potential den sites.
In their natural habitat, raccoons play a crucial role in the ecosystem. As opportunistic feeders, they help control insect and small mammal populations, remove carrion, and contribute to seed dispersal.