Advertisement

The jaywalking raccoon of Totem Lake (Video)

By on July 6, 2010 in Archived, Headlines

This video shows a local raccoon crossing the street in front of the Ford dealership on 124th Avenue in Totem Lake. There is a fear that he might have some sort of malady, or perhaps even rabies, however, the Kirkland Police have determined that the animal does not need to be removed at this time.

Raccoons are usually nocturnal so they most often found roaming around at night. This sleep walking (and jaywalking) raccoon has been spotted near several area businesses, and he obviously disregards pedestrian safety rules. Keep an eye out for him if driving nearby.

Thank you to Jim Walen for sending this in.

About Rob Butcher

Editor and Scribbler of Kirkland Views.
View all posts by Rob Butcher →
  • Kathybarker

    Looks like the guy I saw a couple weeks ago walking across Juanita Woodinville to the median trees. They look awfully thin compared to years past, but as a caution don't feed them, please! As a nearby homeowner, they then think our neighborhoods are a feeding area and can do great harm to unsuspecting housepets.

  • Tia

    The fellow on the video suggests that the raccoon is rabid, but the Washington Department of Health says this about rabies in this state:

    What mammals carry rabies?

    The primary reservoir of rabies in the northwest United States is bats. Between 5-10% of bats submitted for testing are found to be rabid. The bats tested for rabies are a skewed population of sick and injured bats; less than 1% of healthy bats are infected with rabies. Rabid bats have been found in almost every county in Washington. While rabid raccoons, skunks, foxes or coyotes have not been identified in Washington, the virus can be transmitted from bats to these mammals. In other parts of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, rabies reservoirs include raccoons, skunks, foxes or coyotes. In developing countries worldwide, dogs are the principal rabies reservoir.