When the team at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, got a call about two baby raccoons that had somehow traveled all the way from Denver, Colorado, they were baffled.
“We were stunned and not sure we heard the officer correctly,” the center shared on Facebook.
The story was as wild as it sounded: A raccoon family had unknowingly hitched a ride on a cross-country tractor trailer. After days on the road, the truck finally arrived in Pennsylvania — and as the driver began unloading, she spotted a frantic mother raccoon fleeing the truck bed. Left behind were two tiny babies.
Despite efforts to reunite the little ones with their mom, she never returned. So, the officer on the scene brought the babies to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, where they were lovingly named John and Denver — a nod to the adventure that brought them east.
Wildlife rehabilitator Tracie Young was initially concerned about what condition the babies would be in after such a long and stressful journey. But when she met them, she was relieved.
“They looked really good,” Young told The Dodo.
The raccoons were dehydrated but otherwise in decent shape. Young gave them fluids and slowly transitioned them to formula. With each passing day, they grew stronger and more playful.
The entire Raven Ridge team quickly fell for John and Denver’s sweet personalities. The two are inseparable, always curled up together or exploring side by side — a bond that clearly helped them survive their unexpected road trip.
“Our volunteers are amazed by how expressive and protective they are with each other,” Raven Ridge wrote on Facebook.
Because wildlife laws prevent the raccoons from being released in Pennsylvania or transported back to Colorado, the rescue is now working hard to find them a permanent sanctuary where they can live safely — and together.
“We’re going to be really picky about where they go,” Young said. “I just don’t want them in a cage.”
Until then, John and Denver remain at Raven Ridge — thriving, playful, and most importantly, together.
To support animals like John and Denver, consider donating to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center.
