Hours Away From Being Crushed to Death

PETA Senior Director Jessica Sandler was
walking her dogs at a local ballpark when, on a hunch, she decided to check the two dumpsters at
the far end of the parking lot to see if any animals were trapped inside. This
is what she found—or
should we say who she found:

Jessie considered creating an escape “ladder” out of
nearby logs, but not knowing if the baby raccoon was old enough to survive on
her own even if Jessie were able to free her, she
instead called a reputable wildlife rehabilitator for
assistance. The rehabber arrived within 45 minutes, put on a pair of heavy
gloves, jumped into the dumpster, and lifted the exhausted youngster to safety.

As Jessie had suspected, the baby needed follow-up care, so the
rehabilitator put her in a carrier and took her to be treated for dehydration.
After she recovers her strength,
she’ll be released into a safer area. 

What
You Can Do

Whenever you pass near a dumpster, take a quick peek inside to
make sure no wild animals are trapped. Once you’re sure that the dumpster is empty, shut
any doors or lids to prevent animals from gaining access. And write letters to
the editor of your local newspapers encouraging your city’s waste-management
companies to install
spring-loaded
lids on garbage containers to keep animals from entering them.

Always check your own trash cans and recycle bins and secure them before putting them out on trash day. And don’t forget to crush all cans, put the lids on jars and plastic
bottles, and cut apart plastic soda rings and food containers before discarding
them.