photo courtesy of Brandon Baldwin

There have been a lot more sightings of raccoons in the neighborhood lately. Some of it is probably due to the warm winter so far. Some if it may be due to other disturbances in the local wildlife population.

If you do see a raccoon on the street or sidewalk, leave it alone and consider calling an animal rescue group. If a raccoon approaches too closely, make yourself appear larger: stand up, shout, and wave your arms. If he continues to approach, throw or spray water, or even stones if needed. A raccoon that is very aggressive–or too tame, or seems to be disoriented or staggers may be sick or injured.