Changing the way you see raccoons

Yesterday we went for a lovely walk, yes in the torrential rain, up into the Junction to help Jotu move. (roro – I love this Star Trek naming convention thing!)

We had a wonderful afternoon disassembling, boxing and culling our way through someone else’s stuff. Then, while we were waiting for the cab with all the culling goodies Jotu forced onto us, I saw this little guy across the street.

As I rushed to get my camera out and on, I watched him stand up on his hind legs to gently pull the compost bin over and carefully open the lid to create a dining table for himself.  I missed shooting that, but I do have at least 50 of him meticulously riffle his way through to the choice tidbits in the bin.

Photos as he stuck his nose and arms into the bin. Photos each time he rooted around and came back out with something different between his paws. Photos as he inspected each item from all angles, sniff it and dip it in the pool of water forming at the down stream end of his dining table before daintily taking a bite.

As I mentioned in my response to Jackson, Over the Hedge  helped me see raccoons and squirrels with fresh eyes. It was a joy to watch him…. but then again it wasn’t my compost bin, or my back yard.

Alexa Clark

Alexa is a digital marketer and author with over 20 years in digital & interactive communications in the food and tech industries. Alexa's CheapEats Restaurant Guides, for both Toronto & Ottawa, were Canadian best sellers. She is a recognized authority on social media and has been named one of Canada's 20 Leading Women in Social Media.

3 thoughts on “Changing the way you see raccoons

  • June 5, 2006 at 12:00 pm
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    It’s addictive, isn’t it? Love the picture! Those raccoons – if only they’d use their powers for good . . .

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  • June 5, 2006 at 4:49 pm
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    Dude, this is composting at it’s best. ;->

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  • June 15, 2006 at 10:59 am
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    Hey, I and my (former) neighbor racoons have been immortalized! (Or at least, cyber-ized.) The flophouse fence across the street never looked so good in real life as your pic, Alexa.
    Jotu, huh? My Star Wars name is Tutjo Pelsud, which I’ve always liked. But Jotu works as well. Or Rigtu in my present incarnation…
    I can’t tell you how happy I am that my former stuff is now your stuff. I’m all about open space these days. I’m still culling and chucking from the boxes as I unpack them. It goes to the curb and gets picked up amazingly quickly.
    Rigzin

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