VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — We’re six days into spring and the cherry blossoms aren’t the only things blooming. We’re also well into the mating season for possums, squirrels and raccoons. You may have noticed them around more often.

That’s where the Wild Baby Raccoon Rescue comes in. We first told you about Kelly and Chuck Plaza in 2022. They started the Wild Baby Raccoon Rescue more than a decade ago after they learned about the need for wildlife rehabbers. They’ve since saved hundreds of critters.

The Plazas have dedicated their lives and their Virginia Beach home to saving animals.

“I’ve always loved animals ever since I was a little girl,” Kelly Plaza said.

The Plazas work with Animal Control and anyone who finds a sick or injured possum or raccoon. Animals that aren’t able to be rehabilitated stay in the rescue and are used for education purposes.

“Opossums are very misunderstood,” Plaza said. “Everybody thinks they’re scary because they show their 50 teeth, which is their defense.”

Possums are North America’s only marsupial and eat insects like ticks. Possums are harmless to people and cannot get rabies. As for raccoons, if you see one during the day, it’s more than likely a mother scavenging for food.

The couple, along with volunteer Katie, just recently took in a litter of baby possums after their mother was killed in an accident. They told us situations like this aren’t uncommon in the spring when more critters are out venturing for food.

“It’s always best when mom can raise them,” Plaza said, “so we totally recommend reuniting babies unless they’re injured. It’s the best thing for everybody.”

If you find a baby possum or raccoon and there’s no mom in sight, Plaza urges you not to feed them or give them water. She recommends putting them in a box or container with a warm water bottle or heating pad.

“They have to stay warm or they can die. If you feed them water, it can kill them,” Plaza said.

If you find a sick or injured adult, you can feed them cat or dog food until a rehabber can take them in.

“It makes my heart feel good to do it,” Plaza said.

If you find a sick or injured possum or raccoon, you can call the Wild Baby Raccoon Rescue at 757-650-3995. You can also search for rehabbers by critter and location through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.