Racoons

Racoons

 

(Too bad little raccoons aren't eager to use their energies in good ways—but instead they're full of mischief—so have a bad reputation!)

Not by accident the energetic color-blind little raccoon, who sports a "bandit's mask" around his bright eyes, has been given vision well suited for nocturnal adventures, since he can sense even the dimmest of gredn light waves coming from the starry heavens. Those same green light waves are used in weaponry called "starlight scopes" put in the hands of our military in recent decades. But that ability was given to the mischievous raccoon long centuries ago by his Creator! More than this, the raccoon has been given such a broad auditory range that he can not only hear tones up to 85 kHz, but, not by accident, he can also hear quiet sounds underground made by earthworms (a favorite delicacy of these playful mammals, who then dig up the supper they just heard moving beneath them).

One of the most noticeable features of the raccoon is their paws. The front and back paws each have five "fingers" that end in a non-retractable claw that is razor sharp on its tip. That, too, is not by accident. They climb almost anywhere when in danger—straight up the side of a tree, a wooden post, or a wall. With their hand-like front paws they pick up their food with their "fingers" and bring it to their mouths. Those same fingers will be used to reach down into the water at a river or seaside and take a favorite live morsel that might include a small snake, a crayfish, a frog, snail or clam. Or they go into a field and take an ear of sweet corn, have a bite or two—and go on to another ear. They can be satisfied with fruits and veggies—or birds' eggs. The key word is they are adaptable! A raccoon does well in town or in the country. An orphaned baby raccoon can be returned to the wild and survive—or stay with humans and do well—even if the humans become dismayed with its behavior! A raccoon often takes its food to water to wash it. If water is not nearby, the raccoon will sometimes go through the motion of washing its food. (The Latin word for its species is lotor: "the washer"). Some close observers, knowing the raccoon has little saliva in his mouth, believe moistening the food is a not-by-accident gift that helps them swallow their food more easily. Another not-by-accident gift given raccoons is a dual cooling system: they can both sweat and pant. This is a significant aid for an animal with a heavy layer of under-fur, prepared for cold weather.

The raccoon's mental abilities are above and beyond what would be expected at first glance of an adorable-appearing creature the size of a medium-sized dog, only with rings around his bushy tail. His appearance is so appealing it often brings out the urge in many folk to have them as pets. That, almost always, proves to be a mistake since at times they freely use their 40 sharp teeth to inflict real damage on the very hands that lovingly feed them. What seems difficult for some to remember is that they ARE wild animals. In addition, their dexterity with their fingers and generally determined attitude will soon demonstrate that nothing can truly be kept from their curious minds and hands. (Opening toothpaste tubes are one thing, opening cupboard doors and emptying contents, opening jars, and tool chests and flour sacks are another.) Garbage cans seem to tempt them just for fun. Research proves they are able, not by accident—in a few tries—to figure out complex mechanical locks. So God gave these creatures brains that can solve puzzles—and three years later they remember again exactly how to do it. They are smart! Unfortunately they don't always use their brains wisely.

Intelligent but destructive, we can hardly wait until the new earth when no creature will hurt or be hurt in God's earth made new. Then well be able to truly "love on" these "baby bandits" that appeal to us so much now.

Surely God who made and loves all His creatures is even more anxious for that day to come, don't you think?

 

"NOT BY ACCIDENT" (c) Juanita Kretschmar is used by permission and was first published in the book "Not By Accident" 3 page 33

Picture originally found here

Related Articles

More From Genesis

Cats

Just four cats among 30+ species of felines have the ability to roar: the lion, tiger, leopard…
Cats

Pelicans

The pelican has a protection mechanism that is awesome! That skilled "fisherman" bird can dive…
Pelicans

The Anhinga

The anhinga, if measured by appearance, to say the least is a sharp dresser! (Black and white…
The Anhinga

Red-Eared Sliders

Adam and Eve, our little red-eared sliders (turtles) frequently stack themselves one on top of…
Red-Eared Sliders

Australian Platypus

With some features of a duck, a beaver, and an otter, the platypus is a mammal without nipples…
Australian Platypus

Lightning Bug

The not-by-accident design of the flashing mechanism of the lightning bug is far superior to…
Lightning Bug

Butterflies & Moths

Most moths are out and about at night, while butterflies are usually on the wing in the…
Butterflies & Moths

Turkey Vultures

The turkey vulture, who has some of the most amazing mechanisms to be found in a bird, was…
Turkey Vultures

God's Amazing Grass

In the Torah (Bible), we read “Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that…
God's Amazing Grass

Peacocks

When a male peacock fans its tail so the highly elongated covering tail feathers actually can…
Peacocks

Northern Cardinal

A person would have to have a heart closed to beauty not to enjoy the sight of the gorgeous red…
Northern Cardinal
The Sun

The Sun

"God is faithful" (1 Corinthians 10:13). When God made our world, He did not want it to be dark…
The Sun

Wood Frog

It is not simply that the wood frog can survive for months, hibernating in temperatures that…
Wood Frog

Bears

For some of God's creatures it is definitely not by accident but rather part of God's design…
Bears
American Robin

American Robins

"He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Did you ever see a bird nest in a tree? How did that nest get…
American Robins

Moose

Moose are BIG mammals! They start out as 20- to 35-pound newborns—but when just five days old,…
Moose

The Miracle of Air

The air close to the earth's surface is heated by light energy from the sun, and after the air…
The Miracle of Air

Not by Accident Chameleons

There has been documentation of nearly 180 different species of chameleons in this world—each…
Not by Accident Chameleons

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation