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SANTA ANA, Calif. () — A raccoon that spent nearly two days atop a power pole in a Santa Ana neighborhood is back on the ground after an outpouring of support on social media helped bring the animal to safety Thursday night.
Residents first noticed the raccoon Wednesday when it appeared stranded on top of a power pole. Pauline, who lives in the home near the pole, said her husband discovered the animal after their dog became agitated.
“He comes in and goes ‘Oh my gosh. There’s a raccoon up on the pole,'” Pauline said.
Concerned for the animal, Pauline and her husband placed food and water at the base of the pole, expecting the raccoon to eventually come down. When the animal remained there the following morning, they contacted Santa Ana Animal Services.
“I called and they’re like, ‘Oh, we don’t usually do anything for that. It’s too much liability to go up there on the pole,'” Pauline said.
The situation drew concern from Karen Lapizco, a volunteer wildlife rescuer and transporter who became involved after being contacted by Pauline’s niece.
“I’m just thinking up there in the sun, in this heat, no food or water, had he been electrocuted, we just didn’t know the state that he was in. He wasn’t moving most of the time, so we were really concerned that he was going to die up there,” Lapizco said.
Lapizco and others in the wildlife rescue community shared images of the raccoon on social media in hopes of finding help.
Their efforts paid off Thursday night when a Southern California Edison crew responded to the neighborhood.
“We’re glad the raccoon decided the pole wasn’t a long-term residence and came down safely,” said Diane Castro, a spokeswoman for Southern California Edison. “Sometimes, animals demonstrate their dexterity by climbing utility poles. It is important that people do not try to rescue animals themselves and call the experts instead.”
Castro added she suggests residents contact their local police departments if a similar situation arises.
“It takes a village. There’s so many people out there that thankfully love and care for animals as much as I do,” Lapizco said.
A wildlife volunteer was on scene and prepared to take the raccoon for treatment. However, when help arrived, the animal descended the pole on its own and ran away.
For nearby residents, the unusual ordeal ended on a positive note.
“I hope that never happens again,” Pauline said.
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