Kip’s Comments - January 26, 2026

Desperation?

Wild animals do wild animal things and I have to remember that.

After watching what appeared to be a young raccoon doing its best to find something to eat in a small area of open water, it was a challenge to not inject human emotion into the situation. That raccoon looked small, looked hungry, and looked cold… might I say it looked desperate?

Young Raccoon in Water - Image 1059637

My best guess is the raccoon was feeling the cold water combined with the cold air. But, it was likely very hungry and had to to what it had to do. The animal didn’t even look at me as I was shooting pictures.

Young Raccoon in Water - Image 1059670

If long-term warm weather conditions were predicted to begin tomorrow, I might suggest that this ‘coon will survive the winter. Since that is not the case, I am thinking this animal may not make it through the cold season we are in.

Such is life in the wild. This happens often, we just don’t see it.