Well, Hello! Raccoon Having Fun With Garbage Next To PS 58

(Photo credit: Alison Fargis)

(Photo credit: Alison Fargis)

(Photo credit: Alison Fargis)

(Photo credit: Alison Fargis)

(photo credit: Lee Crespi)

(photo credit: Lee Crespi)

Yesterday afternoon, a raccoon was happily diving into garbage right next to Public School 58.  He was caught on camera by both Lee Crespi and Alison Fargis, who were kind enough to allow me to use their photos.
There are quite a few raccoons in the neighborhood, especially in the Gowanus Canal area.  Two years ago, the Department of Health was called to investigate if the population was growing after worried residents reported several sightings on Second Street, between Hoyt Street and Bond Street.

Since raccoons are mostly nocturnal, it is unusual to see one in broad daylight, obviously unafraid of passers-by.