I had a similar experience last night as I opened the sliding glass door from my home office on my way across my small back yard to the main house. First, I saw the wet footprints on the wood deck, then the mother raccoon, who stopped right in front of me and rose up on her hind legs. I was confused, until I saw the rest of the family scurrying, one by one behind her, across the yard. I was and still am gleeful about our encounter. How great! Mind you, this is in an area that many Portlanders consider to be on the other end of the green spectrum: Los Angeles, CA. I admit, we are on the outskirts of the city, and live on a coastal canyon, which naturally helps protect the wildlife. I am happy to be among the residents of this area who have been successfully protecting and defending the plant and animal life from rampant development for the last 20 years.