Community Corner
Critters Like a Little Summer Too
The sight of skunks, raccoons and other wildlife on the urban landscape in daylight sends some people's minds in the direction of rabies.
Recent police logs include several reports from residents who have seen wildlife in their yards or elsewhere in town.
Raccoons, skunks and other critters sauntering Swampscott in the light of day in summer start some people thinking rabies.
Reserve judgment, says the town's animal control officer.
"People think if they see them then they must have rabies," Animal Control Officer Diane Treadwell said.
But the officer has yet to encounter a case of a rabid animal this summer.
More than likely these animals are out seeking food for their young, she said.
Skunks, in particular, are known for foraging during the day after wet weather.
They come out to dig for grubs.
It's not just skunks and raccoons that pad across local yards and along local byways.
We recall seeing a possum nosing over a Burrill Street sidewalk by the library this time of year two summers ago.
The pink-nosed animal walked with purpose and didn't seem to mind sharing the walkway with a two-legged creature.
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