Raccoons Take Clinton Hill
We were headed to dinner last night when we were greeted by a critter who bore a striking resemblance to the fellow in this photo. This was our first run-in with a raccoon in Brooklyn so we referred to Google for some context: Turns out there was a rash of them a couple of years…
We were headed to dinner last night when we were greeted by a critter who bore a striking resemblance to the fellow in this photo. This was our first run-in with a raccoon in Brooklyn so we referred to Google for some context: Turns out there was a rash of them a couple of years back in Park Slope. Green-Wood Cemetery was overrun last winter. And, on Wednesday, one was caught on film outside the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church.
They are in Crown Heights, too. There was a huge racoon in our backyard for most of the summer. I feed feral cats, and he was horning in on the kibble at night, so I stopped feeding the cats in the evening, as I was afraid of shredded kitties in my backyard. The cats were afraid of him, so they kept away.
I thought my large black cat had gotten out once at night, so I went out back to get him, and it turned out to be “Rocky”. He was not afraid of me at all, and close up, those hands/paws are pretty indimidating, and I grew up in the country with all kinds of animals around, including racoons and possums. He must have weighed around 25 pounds, and he looked at me with a distinctive Brooklyn attitude, so I backed off. He then lit a cigarette, flipped me the bird, and waddled off.
A family of raccoons lives under the seemingly abandoned boat parked in the lot by the car wash on 7th Ave/19th St. We live across the street and see them often after dark, one very large raccoon followed by 5 smaller ones, hanging out in the lot. Neighbors have seen them climbing fire escapes and on neighboring rooftops. They certainly get around.
I’ve seen a lot of them at dusk in Prospect Park, and up to 3 at a time, but that’s probably the best place they could be. They usually seem to be making a run for it from one patch of woods to another.
Raccoons are not any more dangerous than any other wild animal, cute as they are. For the most part, they’ll amble off when they see you. Raccoons, while not exactly shy, will usually walk away or climb a tree unless they’ve been fed by some well-meaning idiot and associate humans with food. The park is loaded with them, as is GreenWood due to ample places to nest and a great food supply.
The ones to be concerned about are ones that act aggressive, confused, unsteady or way too interested in approaching you or other danger. That could be an indicator of rabies. They also can carry canine distemper and roundworm. Their poop can spread roundworm eggs in the soil so if you’ve seen them around, wear gloves while gardening (probably a good idea, anyway.) Keep pets away from them because they can get pissy with other animals.
They like to nest in chimneys and under porches and are hard to remove when they’ve got a nest started- a job for a professional only. Those claws are long and the rabies factor should dissuade you from live trapping them on your own and releasing them elsewhere. They are also not kind to gardens. They’ll dig up stuff-bulbs, your lawn looking for grubs and they’ll also steal any vegetables you grow. Don’t leave your garbage open or leave pet food out after dark. this encourages them. It’s not legal to just lay out poison (poisoning wildlife in NY is illegal) so a live and let live policy( with some steps of discouragement) is best.
Add Brooklyn Heights to the list. My landlord and I saw a monster of a raccoon twice within a week. Once up in a tree in front of 187 Hicks (corner of Pierrepont) and once in the backyard of our brownstone across the street.
Personally, I’m impressed that he got into the backyards — there’s only one entrance in the whole square block… unless you climb up and over one of the brownstones.
Peter
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Oh I’ve seen these guys in Clinton Hill years ago. But it was like 2 am.
quote:
At least they seem smart managing to avoid paying rent or mortgage to live in “prime brownstone Brooklyn”!!!
well so do half the people in the projects. (sorry poor taste joke but i couldnt resist)
-r
There was a spate of raccoon sitings posted on the Boerum Hill egroup this summer.
Personally, I like raccoons for their unparalleled combination of cute appearance and nasty behavior, but you cannot deny they are pests. Behold the cute pack of raccoons scattering garbage near and far! Given the smorgasbord of garbage put out in uncovered cans thrice weekly, I’m surprised the City doesn’t have more raccoons.
I saw one on Central Park West in September, just hangin’ out. People were taking pictures of it with their camera phones.