The Critters are Capitalizing on Stupid Human Tricks

According to a recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, there is an interesting side effect of the growing number of foreclosed and vacant properties in the city (and suburbs as well, I suppose).

As a Realtor, I've been in my share of foreclosed properties the past 3 years, and it isn't much fun. Be careful to avoid walking directly under the falling ceiling plaster. Step around that hole in the floor. Oh, and don't let yourself trip over the bulging hardwood floor that rises a good 6 inches above the rest of the flooring. Hold your breath so the mold doesn't make you gasp for air. Never mind the paint that is peeling off the walls in sheets, just like wallpaper might do. Don't be alarmed if the basement concrete floor looks like the surface of the moon from the frost and freeze cycle of the ground underneath it. Obviously, don't expect to find a forgotten soda pop in the refrigerator, because there is most likely no refrigerator in the kitchen.

And keep your distance from the raccoons that have invaded the house. The abandoned houses are apparently an attraction for the wild creatures that share the city with us humans. Makes sense; it's shelter from the elements, protection from those pesky dogs that tend to chase them up a tree, and a virtual playground with all those stairs to climb, counters and cabinets to explore, windows to peer out of.

And they aren't satisfied to enter only the empty houses; the nice neighbors next door are getting visits from the 'coons as well now. Seems the fear of humans is decreasing in the animals, and they think nothing of squeezing through a partially open window to munch on the smorgasboard on the kitchen counter and the goodies stored in cabinets.

The City of Chicago is waking up to the problem and ramping up the distribution of traps to the owners of occupied houses who request this assistance in an effort to eliminate those late night run-ins with 4-legged fuzzy creatures in the kitchen, when all you wanted was another glass of warm milk and a cookie.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons - RubiconLaw)