I like raccoons. (they are actually tiny little bears) I don't like them however, when they get into my garbage and chase me back into the house when I go to chase them away cuz they have rabies. That happened last year, so I baited my live trap and caught him. This one was definitely nutzo! Wouldn't even let me get near the trap to let him out, so I had to send him to wherever rabid coons go when you shoot them. 
Too bad! I had a couple pet coons. They make great pets. Don't want to let a dog scare them when they're in your the house though, cuz they get an instant case of explosive diarrhea as they climb up the drapes! (Unfortunately, I know this from personal experience 
)
@ge
Oh boy. I wouldn't ever want to deal with a 'rabid' anything...but here on Long Island there are people who are SO uninformed about animals they assume anything other than a dog or cat 'must be' rabid even if its behaviour is perfectly normal and not 'nutso'
simply because the animal is 'intruding on' their property. We live on land which was last surveyed (before our homes were built) in the 1800's. So who're the real intruders? People can be truly uneducated sometimes. I've had to explain to most of those living on my block how it all works. At least now they're not rushing to call an exterminator each time they see a furry face peeking out of a woodpile - we're IN the suburbs - wildlife exists! It's sad that you did run into a rabid one. It happens - not half as often as people think, but yeah.
It's funny how you describe them as bears. I've called our little family here a cross between a bear, dog, cat, and monkey. They exhibit traits from all of these. In fact our dog - despite his all-white coat, has the same snoot/facial shape as a raccoon. My Kaya (whom he's exactly like) used to stand inside the long, low window and shake with excitement while the biggest and fattest raccoon groomed himself right outside--completely oblivious to her quivering just inches away. The resemblance was uncanny. Cousins, for sure.
Then I'd watch the family eating (stealing) the feral cats' food right out from under their noses. The cats didn't seem to mind all that much - they had a mutual respect. The parents would even bring the newer babies right up to Fred (when he still smoked outside) after they'd scoffed up all the food--to ask for more. He didn't really interact with them, but the babies would sniff his shoes and stand up chittering at him while pawing the air--asking for more. My new dog does exactly the same thing, lol.
After they'd cleaned up everything they'd waddle over to the big japanese maple in front, and disappear up the tree --over my roof and down the back to parts unknown (in past years our old shed with the hole in the door). Very relaxed and comfortable relationship. All healthy as could be. Of course they were--they were getting the best food!
Elizabeth (a/k/a Scotty)
