Cities aren’t designed for animals, very intentionally, but some species actually manage to fare pretty well in the urban jungles. Pigeons patrol the sidewalks just like the rest of us, rats can get their hands on pizza, and dogs have crosswalks and stop lights figured out. Now raccoons are starting to get used to city life, and as one raccoon in particular tried to figure it out, the world watched, terrified (via Bored Panda). Spoilers: the raccoon is now fine, don’t worry!
This poor raccoon apparently got itself stranded on a ledge of the Town Square office building in downtown St. Paul, likely on an errant mission to raid pigeon nests on the skyway over 7th Street. It’s been there for two days now, without food or water. @mprnews pic.twitter.com/fVI5pmdCWq
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 12, 2018
Yesterday, the St. Paul, Minnesota area was focused on a raccoon that found itself stuck on a tall office building, and as Minnesota Public Radio News reporter Tim Nelson speculated, it was “likely on an errant mission to raid pigeon nests on the skyway over 7th Street.” He also said the raccoon had been there for two days without food or water, which made it more concerning when it started scaling the side of a skyscraper and making its way to the top of the huge building.
The #mprraccoon has arisen from his nap and is climbing again. pic.twitter.com/K1popKu2bF
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 12, 2018
There wasn’t much local animal control and authorities were able to do to help get the raccoon down as it climbed the building, for fear of spooking it and causing it to take a fatal fall. Fortunately, the raccoon eventually made its way to the top of the building, where it was trapped, fed, and brought somewhere safer for a raccoon than a skyscraper. Through its perilous journey, the raccoon earned itself some fans, but most important, it’s safe and sound now.
For those of you worried about #mprraccoon: I’ve talked to wildlife experts, who say getting close to raccoon may invite attack or prompt it to leap or fall from ledge. Fire officials say they can’t in good conscience risk a life putting a FF over the side of bldg for a raccoon.
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 12, 2018
RACCOON UPDATE: it has been trapped, its eating, still on top of tower, will be released “somewhere safe” by private Brooklyn Park contractor Wildlife Management Services
— Tad Vezner (@SPnoir) June 13, 2018
Here is the #mprraccoon being picked up by technicians from Wildlife Management Services just now. Taken away by truck to an “undisclosed location.” pic.twitter.com/x0iMZhW7zd
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 13, 2018
Is this your favorite raccoon now (with apologies to Rocket Raccoon)? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Henrique Pinto/Flickr
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