Midnight buffet (Photo by Alasam) Plenty of creatures are easy to dismiss as "pests" -- cockroaches, rats, mosquitoes, little brothers. But while we accept their biological purposes and important places in the food chain, some species go out of their way to wreak havoc and annoy their human neighbors. Raccoons, we're looking at you! Sure, you're adorable, with your fuzzy little bandit masks and goofy waddling gaits. And we admire your creativity, persistence, and dexterity (is there nothing you can't pry open, disassemble, or otherwise destroy?). We can even forgive that you have loud parties and/or fights outside our windows at 3 a.m., move into our attics without even offering to help with the rent, and use our yards as handy communal toilets. You're wild animals, right? Just because you live in the city doesn't mean you've learned manners -- in fact, you're probably more polite than most of the people on the subway any given morning! While we may not agree with your culinary choices (our trash can smells like, well, rotting garbage), we respect how you won't let anything -- not ropes nor bungee cords nor heavy cement blocks nor security lights -- come between you and your supper. Good for you! Humans could learn a thing or two about determination from you guys. And that washing thing you do with your food -- could that be any cuter? Even when you break into our homes and use our pets' water bowls -- or more alarmingly, our toilets -- for rinsing your snacks, leaving mucky paw prints all over our floors, counters, and walls, we're still charmed by your tiny, destructive hands. No matter how much you try to drive us insane and make us hate you -- and we have to give you credit, because you really do try -- we just think you're the cuddliest, cleverest, most lovable pests of all. Happy International Raccoon Appreciation Day, little buddies! Suggested Sites... International Raccoon Appreciation Day - a brief history of the day, ways to celebrate, and tips for dealing with pesky raccoons. Living With Wildlife: Raccoons - tips for humans and raccoons living in close proximity. Remo Raccoon's Home Page - photos and stories of a family of pet raccoons. Raccoon Tracks - information about raccoons and their relationships with humans, plus lots of adorable raccoon pictures. Raccoon Favorites - Flickr - ridiculously cute photos from OCPet.

Directory categories: Raccoons, Wildlife, Wildlife Organizations, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Home Pest Control

Archived under: Animals, Cities, Garbage, Holidays, Nature, Raccoons, Science, Wildlife

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