Raccoons released onto FPUD property

FALLBROOK — Sixteen abandoned raccoon pups crept cautiously out of their protective wooden crates last week, peering into their new home, the wide-open wilderness owned by the Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD). They were released onto FPUD’s 1,300 acres of undeveloped river-bottom land.

The furry little critters had been orphaned after their mothers were hit by cars. They were then rescued by county animal control and turned over to Project Wildlife, a nonprofit volunteer organization in San Diego.

Volunteers carefully nursed and rehabilitated the pups for several months. Their mission:...