WHEN YOU
LOOK
Western Bluebird
Raccoons: Hand in Hand in Destruction
When you look at this raccoon, you see a reflection of humanity; a thief.
When asked what comes to mind when thinking about raccoons, most people will respond with one or two things. The first being a cute trash panda, the second: roadkill. Both interpretations stem from the same source, raccoons being connected to humans. Humans have always viewed racoons as tricksters. While this rings true today, it may have more to do with their name. In Nahuatl, raccoons are referred to as Mapachin, which means thief. In nearly every other native language, raccoons are referred to by their iconic hands. Hands that are the same as humans, that grasp, prod, and steal. But since raccoons have lived so close to humans, wouldn't it make sense for them to be destroyed by humans?
Procyon lotor: The North American Raccoon (courtesy of the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History)
A simple Google search would give you this answer: No. Raccoons are omnivorous, and can survive in just about any landscape. It is thanks to humans that raccoons have been able to thrive in so many places. Raccoons have been introduced to Eurasia, where they have no natural predators, and thus, have thrived. So much so that they are considered an invasive species. A nuisance in urban and rural areas. They keep their record of being thieves as they steal from other native species, and even trick homeowners into giving them food.
Raccoon stealing catfood (courtesy of Christian Benischeck)
The raccoons' small, quick hands mirror humanity's. They have stolen food, travelled across the seas, and invaded homes. They are pests and will continue to be so. Raccoons have been so close to humans, but it is also humans who have been close to raccoons. We walk the same streets, eat the same food, and sometimes even live in the same houses. We are the trash pandas, and our grubby little hands have caused just as much destruction as theirs.
Tia Mimi and Prima Somoza with pet raccoon (courtesy of my Mom)