Wisconsin Auto Shop Saves Raccoon From Customer’s Vehicle During Oil Change

A routine oil change at Auto Safety Center North in West Bend, Wisconsin, recently didn’t go as planned when a furry guest was discovered underneath the hood, reports Washington County Insider.

When a customer came into the shop, he mentioned that there were animal footprints all over the vehicle. While the shop doesn’t do car washes, it ended up having to do a lot more when a technician popped the hood and saw a raccoon.

“He was wedged in the fender well, trying to play hide-and-seek,” told store manager Craig Panzer.  “Definitely not factory-installed equipment.”

One of the techs put on welder gloves, and patiently coaxed the raccoon to come out of the vehicle. Eventually, the raccoon finally ejected itself, running across the field outside and leaving behind a trail of grease.

“He was a big guy,” said Panzer. “He’s definitely been hitting the dumpsters hard. We’re talking maybe 15 pounds of pure raccoon rebellion.”

This is far from the shop’s first experience with animals under the hood, having dealt with chipmunks, squirrels, and cats in the past. The customer was unshocked, but grateful.

“He said, ‘Well, at least you got rid of my raccoon problem,’” Panzer said. “I told him, ‘That’s full service for you.’”