Most of the neighborhood was already asleep when I stepped onto the balcony tonight to close up the barbecue. There were all these noises coming from nearby and then I saw them: two baby raccoons right there on my neighbour’s rooftop. At first I thought: ‘oh how cute, baby raccoons—and so close!’ Then I became alarmed when I realized the two pups seemed panicked and were possibly stuck there. There were a couple of neighbours around also trying to figure out what to do to help them. I found out that the mother had been picking up her pups one at a time to bring them down, but it took us a while to realize that she was probably scared away because of us nosy bastards. I’ve written “CHECK ON RACCOONS!” on a Post-It which I stuck on the bathroom mirror, just in case. Whatever else I’ve got going on, tomorrow that’ll be the most important task of the day. I could never forgive myself if they were just left up there exposed to the elements. I wish I could adopt one. Or two. The only trouble is they grow up into little bears with hands and then I can just imagine what fun it must be trying to keep them out of the garbage or the fridge, and I’d be really peeved if they broke into the freezer and ate all my ice cream.
June 11, 2009
Night Critters
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9 gave their feedback:
I'm sure the mom went back once the folks were gone. cute pic. xxx
Oh, how I love those fuzzy little night pirates! I do. I do. I do. Never mind the damage they've done to my yard and home. I dunna care. I love those pirates. They are my betters in matters of survival.
Please give us an update - although I'm guessing the Mother returned later. Did they go up there for the same reason the bear went over the mountain? Imponderable.
I've heard that raccoons are not really good neighbors and make really lousy pets. I've never had any in my neighborhood. Never even saw any when we've been out camping. I'll have to take your word for how cute they are. :D
mum: I think that's what happened because I went out an hour later just before going to sleep and all was quiet next door.
Jonas: I adore those little robbers too. Last summer I ran into a man who was walking around with two TINY raccoons around his neck. He didn't even need to hold them—they were both suckling on his neck and holding on tight to him. I so badly wanted to hold one but for some reason it wasn't possible. They weren't up for adoption either, he was working with some wildlife group and was looking after them since they'd lost their mother. Can't tell you how I YEARNED to steal them away.
ArtSparker: Why DID the bear go over the mountain? And where does that expression come from again?
As I said to my mum, all was quiet shortly after I'd spotted them and no sound the next day either which I took to be a good sign. They DO make the strangest noises though.
Eve: raccoons turn up in all sorts of places. I used to think they were only in the country and the suburbs but I live close to downtown and have seen them a couple of times in the back alley. Lots of people hate them because they turn over garbage bins and make a big mess with their nimble little hands but I've always found them absolutely adorable. Some time ago I did see a few video clips featuring racoons on YouTube that were fun to watch, so you might want to check that out if you're curious at all about what they're like.
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see ...so I suppose raccoons with plans for world domination might climb up on a roof for the same purpose.
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