Well, certainly from the back it looks like a Ring-tailed Lemur but I suspect that was my first thought because a little part of my mind is always in Africa. This is, of course, a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor), a wild animal indigenous to this area. They have adapted well to living in the city and there are quite a few in Victoria. Most Victorians, however, rarely see them since they are nocturnal and hide during the daylight hours. This is only the second one I've seen though I've lived in this city for many years, another of the benefits of yesterday's early-morning walk.Raccoon attacks on humans, as documented in the video below, are rare.
Actually, although nocturnal, we see them regularly in broad daylight in our yard (we have a small pond and live near the Gorge). They aren't particularly afraid of us either and we've had to run them off with a garden hose. They can be quite a nuisance too, tearing up the lily pads, taking one bite out every apple on our tree, leaving excrement etc. We always know when their around, as the birds go ballistic, particularly the crows. I also see them in the inner harbour quite often, usually at night.
Ya, they are known for being quite brash. Sharp teeth and known rabies carriers, so keep your distance. The Germans call them Wash Bears because of their habit of scrubbing their food beforing dining. I picked a fresh road-kill one off the highway once and dived into an amateur taxidermy project that had a steep learning curve.
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Well, certainly from the back it looks like a Ring-tailed Lemur but I suspect that was my first thought because a little part of my mind is always in Africa. This is, of course, a Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor), a wild animal indigenous to this area. They have adapted well to living in the city and there are quite a few in Victoria. Most Victorians, however, rarely see them since they are nocturnal and hide during the daylight hours. This is only the second one I've seen though I've lived in this city for many years, another of the benefits of yesterday's early-morning walk.
Raccoon attacks on humans, as documented in the video below, are rare.
They are adorable little bandits aren't they? It's been a particularly gruesome year for them on the highways.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of wildlife...
ReplyDeleteWe had three deer -- a male and two females -- munching on the boulevard grass outside our house all day yesterday.
Completely 'domesticated' -- they kept a wary eye on my dog when I took him for a walk yesterday, but didn't flee or run away.
Kinda awesome until you watch that video from Cranbook, BC that went viral earlier this summer...
Nice shots. They fun to watch from a distance.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth : )
Actually, although nocturnal, we see them regularly in broad daylight in our yard (we have a small pond and live near the Gorge). They aren't particularly afraid of us either and we've had to run them off with a garden hose. They can be quite a nuisance too, tearing up the lily pads, taking one bite out every apple on our tree, leaving excrement etc. We always know when their around, as the birds go ballistic, particularly the crows. I also see them in the inner harbour quite often, usually at night.
ReplyDeleteYa, they are known for being quite brash. Sharp teeth and known rabies carriers, so keep your distance. The Germans call them Wash Bears because of their habit of scrubbing their food beforing dining.
ReplyDeleteI picked a fresh road-kill one off the highway once and dived into an amateur taxidermy project that had a steep learning curve.