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 pizzaOpens in a new tab, and dogs have crosswalks and stop lightsOpens in a new tab 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 PandaOpens in a new tab). 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. @mprnewsOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/fVI5pmdCWqOpens in a new tab
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 12, 2018Opens in a new tab
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 #mprraccoonOpens in a new tab has arisen from his nap and is climbing again. pic.twitter.com/K1popKu2bFOpens in a new tab
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 12, 2018Opens in a new tab
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,Opens in a new tab but most important, it’s safe and sound now.
For those of you worried about #mprraccoonOpens in a new tab: 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, 2018Opens in a new tab
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, 2018Opens in a new tab
Here is the #mprraccoonOpens in a new tab being picked up by technicians from Wildlife Management Services just now. Taken away by truck to an “undisclosed location.” pic.twitter.com/x0iMZhW7zdOpens in a new tab
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 13, 2018Opens in a new tab
Is this your favorite raccoon now (with apologies to Rocket Raccoon)? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Henrique Pinto/FlickrOpens in a new tab
More animal shenanigans!
- Watch a corgi ride a ponyOpens in a new tab. Yep.
- An owl that delivers mail like it’s in Harry PotterOpens in a new tab.
- Two lynxes shriekingOpens in a new tab at each other is like social media IRL.
