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The last few months have witnessed attempts by unexpected creatures to make South Philadelphia as diverse zoologically as it is racially. At least four raccoons have been wandering a six-block radius, causing confusion and concern for residents and necessitating discussions on their removal.
Though the critters have developed a semi-wide stretch for finding food, they have proven especially meddlesome for homeowners on the 2800 block of South 11th street.
More accustomed to tending to stray cats, the inhabitants have begun to address how to place the mammals in a more traditional setting. The responses they have received, however, have not comforted them.
“We have contacted multiple city agencies and were told they do not handle raccoons in the neighborhoods and it is normal for them to be in the area,” a resident who requested anonymity, said.
Another resident, who also requested her name be withheld, orchestrated the removal of two raccoons last month, yet at least a quartet of successors has kept her and her blockmates scared for their plants and pets.
Highly nocturnal, the raccoons have made rare daylight appearances, but those neighborhood cameos, according to the first resident, have resulted in attacks on stray cats and squirrels. The new vagabonds, which the second resident suspects are the children of the removed pair, also have uprooted plants.
“I haven’t seen any attacks. They’re playful, from what I’ve seen, but we want them out of here, and we think the city should be more helpful,” the second resident noted.
She estimates the raccoons are at least one foot long, making it possible that they can be the offspring of the others. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, sizes of adult raccoons range from 28 to 38 inches, yet she would not put them at that size.
“I haven’t been that close to them,” she said with a smile.
She has lived on her block since 1996 and cannot recall ever seeing raccoons or any other peculiar beasts. Neighbors have spotted the accomplished climbers applying their feet to the concrete as far away as the 1300 block of Shunk Street.
“I’m just curious to know where they are coming from. I’m thinking maybe the construction of the new Siena Place town homes may be the reason,” she said of the new development area headquartered on the 2300 block of Hartranft Street. “I’m out of guesses.”
According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health website, raccoon sightings in urban areas are not as uncommon as appearances of Halley’s Comet.
“Hundreds of different species of animals coexist in the hillsides and open fields of our communities. As we bulldoze and cement these areas to make room for more homes and bigger roads, animals of all types are displaced and involuntarily forced to live among us,” it notes.
It also advises humans to live “peacefully with the new wave of immigrants.” The second anonymous resident respects the animals, but her tolerance stretches only so far.
“I don’t want them hurt. I just want them gone,” she said.
Knowing the omnivores are likely to stay in areas where they can surfeit their impartial appetites, she has tried to enlist her neighbors’ aid.
“I put out a letter. I’ve called a few people to come to remove them, but everyone’s prices are a bit high,” she said, adding that requested fees have ranged from $500 to $600.
Her frustration is twofold because she has yet to raise anywhere near the amount needed and feels a lack of support from people whose operations benefit from her taxes.
“They have told us to keep our trash lids closed. We do that, but what about what they leave behind? What about their feces?” she said.
According to the website medterms.com, if a raccoon has a roundworm infection, it sheds eggs in its feces. Young children may become infected by coming into contact with hands, water, soil or other contaminated objects. Hatching of the ingested eggs could cause a host of serious problems, including loss of muscle control, liver enlargement, coma and blindness.
“If we find someone, I’d like the raccoons to go to Tinicum,” she said, referring to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Philadelphia.
Many of the backyards of the aforementioned block contain steps leading to dimly lit spaces perfect for evening eating. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website, because breeding occurs in winter, residents need not fear an outbreak, as gestation takes only two months. Regardless, the unnamed second resident is not eager to welcome more stout neighbors.
Health Department official Jeff Moran said the city works with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to capture wild animals. He noted the city, however, cannot respond to a case unless an animal is sick or injured.
PSPCA Director of Public Relations Liz Williamson confirmed Moran’s comments.
“We assist in those situations and when an animal is hiding in a house, camping out on an porch or acting strangely, which could mean circling or stumbling. Being out in the day is not a criterion for acting strangely,” Williamson said.
“I still feel as if the city should help us, no matter what,” the second resident said.
The cost of the removal if the residents find someone on their own is comparable to what traps from the Pennsylvania Game Commission would cost. For the use of a trap for a five-day period, the commission charges $150. If someone needs the trap beyond that period, the fee becomes $60 for an additional five days.
“The first time, the trapper used fruit to lure them, so we’ll see,” the second resident said. “I haven’t seen them in two weeks, so maybe they’re branching out.” SPR
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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