According to an Examiner report, calls from San Franciscans represented by Supervisor Carmen Chu are pouring into her office, complaining about the same beasts that led to Old Yeller’s demise. The climate’s apparently to blame — apparently the Procyon lotor (sorry, I just saw Fantastic Mr. Fox) are still foraging for food due to unusually cold and damp weather this summer.
Animal Care and Control Director Rebecca Katz urges Sunset (and other) residents to chill and adapt, saying that the raccoon-savvy will bungee-cord shut their garbage cans. Securing your pet doors is also a good idea — Katz told the Ex raccoons have even broken into residences by doggie doors. Their kind of unnerving little hands can untie knots, turn doorknobs, and open jars.
But remember what Old Yeller didn’t — raccoons have been known to carry rabies, so avoid confrontation with them, and, if you’re bitten, call the ACC at 415-554-9400 so they can come out, trap, and test the animal.
