An early morning beach walk in Glen Cove became a rescue effort after people spotted a raccoon clinging above the bay, shivering as waves broke below.
Residents and lifeguards at the beach chose to act, using whatever was available to help the animal back onto safe ground, according to Patch.
Here's what to know
After the raccoon was discovered at Morgan Memorial Park Beach in Glen Cove, Liz Glaviano contacted a wildlife rescue group and tried to steer it toward shore.
Mark Glaviano went to get lifeguards and summon additional help.
The animal was stuck above the water with little space to get out on its own.
Teenage lifeguards Dylan Jenkins and Taylor, along with beach worker José Benitez, joined the effort.
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Using a board, Benitez helped direct the raccoon, while 19-year-old Jenkins held an umbrella underneath in case it slipped.
More background
Eventually, the raccoon latched onto the board and reached safety.
Liz Glaviano said the sight was difficult to watch.
"It just broke my heart," she said, per Patch. "I couldn't leave that little guy. He was in distress and shaking. If he lost his grip, he would have been in the waves. He just needed us to help."
How the raccoon ended up trapped is still not known.
Roni Jenkins, Dylan Jenkins' mother, described the animal as a young raccoon in distress, Patch reported.
"The poor little thing was shaking and clearly exhausted and scared," she said.
What's being done?
Those involved alerted lifeguards, contacted a wildlife rescue organization, and relied on basic equipment to help the raccoon without cornering it.
"Thankfully, everyone pitched in, and we saved him," Liz Glaviano told Patch.
Where can I learn more?
The Glen Cove rescue is one example of how fast a tense moment with wildlife can unfold on the water. Here are a few other stories involving encounters with raccoons and coastal animals, including situations where people made a stressful scene even worse.
• At one home, 100 raccoons crowded a yard after years of being fed there.
• On a California trail, hikers startled a coyote near the beach and panicked.
• At a crowded beach, tourists scattered after a sea lion charged them at close range.
• Off California, a surfer faced a vicious sea lion attack in open water.
• Locals watched a pelican coated in oil struggle along a polluted shore.
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