99% Invisible: Raccoon Thanksgiving Released on November 26, 2024

Host: Roman Mars
Reporter: Amy Dempsey, Toronto Star
Design Firm: Rarig Pacific
Raccoon Specialist: Dr. Suzanne McDonald
Producer: Katie Mingle

1. Introduction: Toronto’s Raccoon Conundrum

Every Thanksgiving, alongside the festive gatherings and food indulgence, Toronto grapples with an unexpected adversary: raccoons. Amy Dempsey sets the scene by highlighting the city’s unique relationship with these clever creatures, especially in the aftermath of Thanksgiving feasts.

Amy Dempsey [02:03]: "We like to think Toronto is the raccoon capital of the world, and we're strangely proud of that distinction."

2. The Green Bin Solution

In an effort to curb food waste and deter raccoons from rummaging through garbage, Toronto introduced green bins for organic waste collection. These bins were meticulously designed to be raccoon-resistant, featuring locking mechanisms and durable materials.

Rarig Pacific’s Dennis Monastir [05:53]: "We had to ensure that the lock itself disengages 100% of the time. The container must function in extreme weather conditions."

3. Mayor John Tory’s “War on Raccoons”

Toronto’s Mayor John Tory took a bold stance against the raccoon nuisance, presenting the new green bins as a strategic move in this “war.” His confident proclamation was both earnest and slightly tongue-in-cheek, emphasizing the city’s commitment to solving the problem.

Mayor John Tory [03:53]: "We are ready, we are armed, we are motivated. We have left no stone unturned in our fight against Raccoon Nation."

4. The Breakthrough and Viral Challenge

Initially, the green bins seemed effective, leading some residents to believe that raccoon populations were dwindling. However, Amy Dempsey received reports suggesting the opposite. A viral video emerged showing a raccoon effortlessly opening a green bin, challenging the city’s claims.

Kurt Kohlstedt [13:06]: "There is no such thing as a raccoon proof green bin."

5. Investigating the Raccoon’s Tactics

Determined to uncover the truth, Amy collaborated with Dr. Suzanne McDonald, a renowned raccoon specialist. Through field experiments, they discovered that raccoons could manipulate the bins when knocked down, exploiting a vulnerability in the design.

Amy Dempsey [18:23]: "When it's on the ground, you can just kind of pull on it, like, as if you're pulling a lever."

Dr. Suzanne McDonald [20:33]: "We call her the genius raccoon because I think it's amazing that she did it."

6. Design Flaws and Ongoing Struggle

Rarig Pacific responded by tightening the bin handles and reinforcing the locking mechanisms. Despite these adjustments, the problem persisted, revealing that while the bins were raccoon-resistant, they were not entirely raccoon-proof.

Dennis Monastir [13:43]: "The screw might be loosened too much, and if you just simply tighten it a little bit, it might prevent the issue."

7. The Human Element and Community Response

The situation highlighted a recurring issue in urban wildlife management: balancing effective design with community cooperation. Residents like Amy took proactive measures, such as securing their bins to prevent raccoon access, showcasing the blend of design and human adaptability.

Amy Dempsey [16:39]: "Having accepted defeat, Amy now keeps her bins tied to a wall so raccoons can't knock them over."

8. Historical Perspective: Rebecca the White House Raccoon

In a delightful segue, the episode revisits a historical anecdote about Rebecca, a raccoon gifted to President Calvin Coolidge in 1926. Unlike the urban challenges in Toronto, Rebecca became a beloved, albeit mischievous, member of the White House household.

Kurt Kohlstedt [26:56]: "Grace, the first lady, would walk her around on a leash during the day, and then at night, she'd curl up with Calvin on his lap next to the fireplace."

Dr. Suzanne McDonald [20:58]: "Raccoons don't teach each other these things. That's called social learning."

9. Conclusion: The Ongoing Battle

Toronto’s experience underscores the complexities of urban wildlife design and management. While significant strides have been made in creating raccoon-resistant infrastructure, the adaptability and intelligence of raccoons ensure that the battle is far from over.

Dr. Suzanne McDonald [21:21]: "Our raccoons are not starving to death."

Roman Mars [21:04]: "Nothing is raccoon proof, only raccoon resistant."

Key Takeaways:

• Design Challenges: Creating effective raccoon-resistant bins requires understanding raccoon behavior and adaptability.
• Community Effort: Successful urban wildlife management necessitates collaboration between designers, specialists, and residents.
• Urban Wildlife Adaptation: Raccoons continue to find innovative ways to overcome human-made barriers, highlighting the dynamic nature of urban ecosystems.
• Historical Insights: Reflecting on past interactions with raccoons, such as Rebecca’s story, provides a broader perspective on human-animal relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy Dempsey [02:03]: "We like to think Toronto is the raccoon capital of the world..."
• Mayor John Tory [03:53]: "...defeat is not an option."
• Dr. Suzanne McDonald [20:33]: "We call her the genius raccoon because I think it's amazing that she did it."
• Dennis Monastir [13:43]: "The screw might be loosened too much..."

Final Thoughts: "Raccoon Thanksgiving" offers a fascinating exploration of urban design, wildlife behavior, and community resilience. Through meticulous storytelling and expert insights, the episode sheds light on the nuanced battle between humans and one of nature’s most adaptable creatures.