Don’t be surprised to see an oddly lumbering trio or foursome of black-masked creatures coming your way. And don’t be afraid. These little carnivorous mammals — actually, some grow to a fairly hefty size — are far more afraid of you than you are of them.
In spite of relentless urbanization, raccoons and (dare I add) skunks remain an important part of Vancouver’s natural landscape. And while they generally live and breed in city parks and woods, they regularly amble into populated areas, presumably in search of food. I recently met up with a trio near Kitsilano Beach, at which point they scuttled up a tree. As soon as I passed, they clawed their way down again and wandered off.
If you’ve never met a raccoon, you’ll know it instantly by its pointed muzzle, and gray to brownish fur — but particularly by the black band, surrounded by white, across its face.
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