This really isn't a gimp masterpiece, it's just a 35 year old photo of my pet coon.

How long did Coonzy live GMS? Looks like he really liked you otherwise you would have been scratched to death. lol

Racoons are extremely intelligent creatures and their hands can grip much like monkeys and people can which is cool. Always like racoons. We have them here too. A few years ago, I had to trap one that kept on making a mess in our yard. Dad and I took it to the woods around a mile from where we lived and released it. Being in a reasonably crowded neighborhood, it still surprises me that we get these animals including Opossums come to our house. We definitely have the squirrels too. lol

we had to put down a coon. It came near the house and was not running from us. we called the wildlife people and told them how he was acting, swaying and just looking dazed, etc. They said he had distemper and would die a slow death and it would be kind to put him down. One shot to the head. We hated to do it but it was the kindest thing we could do.

Not sure how long he lived, I put the devil outside on a leash like our dog to play and he undid his collar, they are indeed good with their fingers, and he got away.

Speaking of racoons. I was awoken by my Wife this morning about 5:45 AM.
Something in the trashcan scared her...it was whining.
So she figured it was a little bigger than a rat or mouse.
So i went outside and lo and behold what did i see but 2 bright glowing eyes staring out from under the trashcan lid.The poor thing had opened the lid and let his buddy inside and then climbed in and both were trapped.
He managed to get his head and paw outside but couldn't manage to get his body out.
I got some pictures i will post later. I tipped the can over and let both free and they scurried down the hillside behind my house.Not very happy i had taken my time to let them loose as i wanted some images for the forum.
I bet they will be back though.
I actually had one that kept coming on the deck to eat the dog food every night.I saw him so often i named him scruffy as he was quite dirty and frizzy looking.He began to bring his friends though so i started putting the dog food indoors and they didn't return.Until this morning.

I think racoons are pretty cool, but they are mischievous.

I just about fell out of my chair when I saw your pic. I didn't know I had a twin brother back then. Even my wife thought it was me!

Couple of good looking guys, huh GMS.

Distemper is nasty. Mine had all of the necessary shots.

Well, my dad was killed when I was a year old so I don't know what his history was. As far as I know, I was his only child. I hope you grew up to look better than I did. It does look strangely similar.
Amendment: I told my wife what you said and showed her your pic. She was amazed too.

Ummmm!! Looks tasty.

my sister learned the hard way not to feed raccoons near the house. Now she takes the leftovers way down the path into the woods and they have not bothered the house since.
And it does look like twins separated at birth!