Rescue
Strange Creature Was Rescued— Can You Guess What It Is?
The little critter completely baffled rescuers.
Britanie Leclair
11.30.18

Last week, the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge went viral when they posted an image of a mysterious creature they had recently accepted into their care.

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Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Source:
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

Located in Orange Country, Florida, the refuge received a call from one of their volunteers. In a post dated November 19th, they wrote:

“A mystery animal was found hiding under a car this past Friday evening, trying to stay warm.”

“A volunteer of ours reached out to ask was what it was. We advised them to safely trap it and bring it in, as it appeared weak and cold.” She was later nicknamed Dobby for her likeness to the Harry Potter elf.

At the end of the post, the refuge asked: “Can you guess what she is?”

As you can imagine, most people guessed Dobby was some kind of dog like a chihuahua. Others wondered if it could be a legendary Chupacabra. “Looks like my little Xolo Zooey!” commented Samantha Edmonds, adding a photo for good measure:

xolo-samantha-edmonds
Samantha Edmonds/Facebook
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Samantha Edmonds/Facebook

Turns out the adorable little creature’s actually a hairless raccoon!

“We speculate that she suffers either from alopecia or a genetic mutation that she was born with,” the refuge wrote. “She does not have mange.”

refuge-rescues-mystery-animal-hairless-raccoon
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Source:
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Debbi Helsel, the executive director of the refuge, said the raccoon appears to be a year old and there’s evidence of her having delivered a litter.

“For me, there’s a lot of unanswered questions,” she said.

After obtaining medical care Dobby, Helsel brought her home to be fostered in an environment of comfort and care.

Although they did their best to help the animal, her health rapidly declined. In a post dated November 20th, the refuge wrote: “Under some sedation, but also not in good health, our sweet girl is fighting (and hard) for her life. We are doing all we can for her and, and then some!”

refuge-rescues-mystery-animal-hairless-raccoon
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Source:
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

Sadly, two days later, the refuge announced Dobby had passed away in her sleep.

“Though we chose to remain hopeful and diligent with her care and condition, we sincerely regret to inform you that she passed away late last night, in her sleep.”

“Her arrival at BTN’s doorstep allowed us the opportunity to share her beauty with you all.

“She brought so much awareness to not only her condition but to her species (often looked as a nuisance) and to the refuge and our mission.

“For that, we are truly grateful.”

RIP, sweet Dobby. We’re glad you could spend your last moments in comfort and love.

refuge-rescues-mystery-animal-hairless-raccoon
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Source:
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

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