A spiritual raccoon

Sometimes a wild animal may seem to mimic a human characteristic, if only for a short time. This young raccoon surprised me by stepping out of thick brush, staring at me and then folding its front paws as though it was praying.

The message this image sends to you may be quite different from what I saw in this little raccoon's eyes. To me, it was as if he or she were sending a prayer, "Please care about nature. We need you to care about us."

I am reminded that when raccoons turn over trash cans, make a home in someone's attic or knock down and eat sweet corn in a garden, they are only trying to survive. They have no ill will against humans.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more work by Aaron at The Painted Wren Gallery.