As the last of the sun’s rays shimmered in the evening sky, the first raccoon popped out of its hiding place, soon to be followed by its comrades. Covertly, it crossed the road from the parking lot heading towards the Carl DeSantis Building with a spring in its step and greed in its eyes.
On more than one occasion, you’ll be lucky to see them trot gracefully towards the lush green shrubs facing the building before peering out of the bushes and scurrying across the cobblestone path. At first, one can easily mistake the sound of their gritty claws on the smooth stone for a pair of stiletto heels before glancing over and realizing it’s a raccoon sauntering confidently up the path toward Huizenga’s double doors.
The automatic doors around campus are designed for the raccoons’ convenience, since the doors never seem to open for students during the daytime. This way, the raccoons can attend their night classes without any interruption. But, before you have the pleasure of holding the elevator door for them or sitting next to one in class as its long tail tickles your feet, just note they might grab a bite to eat before they make their grand entrance.
In fact, students often watch them dine on gourmet leftovers in the trash bin. One raccoon leapt enthusiastically into the bin, hovering in the entrance before diving straight in. The only thing visible was its tail, swishing back and forth, clearly not fast enough to keep up with the rest of its body. The best part is that the observation comes with audio, so you can hear them shuffling through their main course meal.
Just when you think that seeing one is enough, you’ll be graced with the arrival of another. This raccoon will come galloping across the road, textbook on its back, and will move with so much zest it will forget to look left and right. It, too, headed straight for its three-course meal. But it needn’t worry — there’s plenty for everyone. However, the trash bin does not hold them for long, they’ll take their helpings and dine on the wall surrounding the shrubs, deeply engrossed in conversation. Before long, the campus transforms into Raccoon City Central.
After a hard night’s work, some of them head lethargically to the bus stop waiting for the Shark Shuttle that will never arrive, while the others head to the parking lot. It’s an astonishing sight to behold. Raccoons filing towards the entrance of the parking garage, while others climb up the stairs returning to their Raccoon-mobiles. And off they go, each to his own home. If you didn’t get to see them tonight, just wait patiently until tomorrow.
Photo CREDIT: PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM T. SMITH
