Urban Raccoon
Driving in downtown Springfield yesterday I was stopped at a light, city library to my right, city school administration building to my left. I had to do a double take as I saw something starting to cross the road in the crosswalk. Not a person, not a dog, but a big fat raccoon. He sauntered across almost mid way when the light changed, and the car he was approaching started to move. The raccoon quickly realized he was too late, did an about-face, and skedaddled back to the curb and up the nearby steps of the building.
I felt bad for the little guy – being stuck in this concrete jungle. Cars to avoid, people and dogs to contend with. How’s he going to get something to eat, much less navigate in this foreign land? How did he get here? Should I call animal control? I plucked out my phone and turned it on. He’d be better off in Forest Park, the nearby city park.
- Raccoon awaiting release
I reluctantly had to drive onward, looking immediately for a way to turn around and head back to follow my brave friend. While doing that, second thoughts gripped me. I thought about how city savvy that raccoon seemed to be. He knew just what to do to avoid getting squashed by a car. He knew the difference between sidewalk and street. Maybe he’s not so much of a newcomer around here. He didn’t even jaywalk.
When I managed to swing around and head back up the road, I looked for him. No sight of him either walking around or flattened in the road. There were, I noted, quite a number of dumpsters in the area. Maybe that fellow was taking advantage of all the trash. He was a rather chunky looking rascal after all. Instead of a poor displaced raccoon, perhaps he was quite the city slicker.
Yes, if he could find his way in, he could find his way out I reassured myself. Matter of fact – the next time he tries to cross the road, he’ll probably be pushing the “walk” button.