A tiny baby raccoon found soaked and frightened on a doorstep in Massachusetts has captured hearts across the internet after photos of his unusual stance went viral.
The little animal was discovered in Belchertown, standing upright on his hind legs as if he were desperately trying to get someone’s attention. Drenched by a rainstorm and with no mother in sight, the young raccoon looked vulnerable and scared.
Belchertown Animal Control Officer Sarah Byrnes responded to the call and carefully wrapped the baby in a towel before transporting him to the Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation. The rescue gave the frightened animal a chance to receive the care he needed.
Photos of the soggy raccoon quickly spread online, prompting a wave of affectionate reactions. One commenter compared him to Rocket Raccoon from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, while others joked that he looked like a tiny bouncer standing guard at the door. Many people were surprised by how upright he appeared.
Estimated to be just over two months old, the raccoon was still too young to survive independently in the wild. With no mother nearby, rescuers decided to care for him until he was old enough to return to his natural habitat.
The rehabilitation center received so many messages from people eager to know about the little survivor that staff eventually gave him a name: Bub.
His unexpected appearance may have made people smile, but behind those viral photos was a vulnerable young animal who needed help. Thanks to the people who stepped in, Bub now has a chance to grow stronger before beginning life in the wild.