It was the saddest sight.
An ice-covered raccoon was spotted trudging alone across a snowy field in Ontario’s cottage country.
Simcoe County Emergency Animal Response responded quickly to the heartbreaking sight in Wasaga Beach Monday amid extreme winds and heavy, blowing snow.
The raccoon appeared “extremely confused and disoriented,” the shelter said in Facebook post.
“It was clear this little one had been out in the elements for far too long,” it added.
The raccoon was safely rounded up and assessed. But officials said what they found was absolutely devastating.
“There were definite signs of frostbite on it. Ice had built up heavily throughout its fur. Its eyes were frozen shut from blowing snow. It was extremely frightened and vulnerable,” they said.
Rescuers believe the racoon tried to cross the field, but became disoriented in the blizzard. As the snow packed on, the animal was unable to find its way back to shelter.
It is now being cared for a wildlife facility under close monitoring. Veterinarians will also figure out if an underlying case of distemper might have contributed to the situation.
“Days like today are incredibly difficult,” Simcoe County officials said. “Wildlife face unimaginable challenges during severe winter weather, and sometimes the elements alone can become life threatening.”
