Round Rock officers rescue injured raccoon on I-35

The raccoon was treated for an $8,000 diaphragmatic hernia operation before being released back into the wild.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:07am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones depicting the blurred silhouette of a raccoon against the backdrop of a busy highway overpass, conceptually representing the rescue of an injured animal from a dangerous urban environment.A recent rescue operation on a Round Rock highway overpass highlights the vital work local law enforcement and wildlife rehabilitators do to protect urban animals.Round Rock Today

Round Rock police officers recently rescued an injured raccoon stranded on the I-35 overpass at McNeil Road. The raccoon, likely hurt by a vehicle strike, was taken to All Things Wild Rehabilitation for life-saving surgery to treat a diaphragmatic hernia. After recovering from the $8,000 operation, the raccoon was released back into the wild once it stopped eating in captivity, signaling it was ready to return home.

Why it matters

The rescue highlights the work Round Rock police do to protect local wildlife, even in urban areas. It also showcases the important role rehabilitation centers play in caring for injured animals and returning them to their natural habitats.

The details

According to the report, Round Rock police officers spotted the injured raccoon on the I-35 overpass and worked with All Things Wild Rehabilitation to get the animal the medical attention it needed. The raccoon had suffered a diaphragmatic hernia, likely from being hit by a vehicle, and required an $8,000 surgery to repair the damage. After recovering in captivity and regaining its strength, the raccoon was released back into the wild once it stopped eating, a sign it was ready to fend for itself again.

  • The incident occurred recently on the I-35 overpass at McNeil Road in Round Rock.
  • The raccoon underwent an $8,000 surgery to treat its injuries.

The players

Round Rock Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that rescued the injured raccoon and coordinated with a wildlife rehabilitation center for its care.

All Things Wild Rehabilitation

The wildlife rehabilitation center that provided life-saving medical treatment to the injured raccoon, including an $8,000 surgery to repair a diaphragmatic hernia.

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What they’re saying

“The raccoon was lucky to be alive and we're grateful the officers were able to get it the help it needed.”

— Spokesperson, All Things Wild Rehabilitation

The takeaway

This rescue operation demonstrates the important role local law enforcement and wildlife rehabilitation centers play in protecting urban wildlife and ensuring injured animals can be nursed back to health and returned to their natural habitats.