Raccoons are the Brightest People by Sterling North

I found this book to be wildly intriguing (pardon the pun). Although I should have read rascal before delving into this book, as this book is written to be a response to the correspondence that Sterling received from the many fans of his childhood autobiography. What I liked most was the way he added his and others observations clearly and detailed right beside many scientific studies, and his way of writing is not only descriptive, but easy enough to read that even a layman can do it. It is not everyday that I read a book so filled with a love of nature, and never before have I heard of someone so in touch with the natural world and all of its inhabitants.

This book also dispels some of the myths associated with wild animals being ferocious, to the point where it even mentions a quote by the late Carl Marty, and avid nature lover who has spent his life raising all sorts of animals in the wild, from raccoons to bears t even a wolf, said:

It is of great misfortune that the human race cannot be as gallant and gentle as are the so-called "wild" animals. (145)

and

I have yet to see unprovoked aggressive ferocity  in any animal [including bears], although defensive ferocity is fairly common. Given half a chance to be friendly, animals get along famously with other animals and also with kindly human beings. (151)

Acouple of the analogies mentioned in this book really fascinated me. Such as the story of Rusty the dog and Snoopy the raccoon, when Rusty wanted to come into the house, and went to seek the aid of Snoopy. How was the dog able to communicate with the raccoon his wants? The idea that animals are somehow able to communicate with each other has a very interesting topic that needs to be reviewed further.

A few of the other stories interested me as well, and I got depressed at the part where Moonlight supposedly died for the sake of her kits, protecting them from savage hunting dogs. And also the story of Old Jerry, who lived to the age of 22, and had a rather well life.

All my life, I have wanted to be in or near nature, and to befriend the various animals that live there. But although this dream has yet to come true, it encourages me to read stories of other people who have been able to live this dream life with nature.

The main point near the end really struck home. The notion that man and beast can live side by side in harmony is only denied due to the selfishness and bloodthirsty nature of man. Many people don't give a second though to animal well being and animal intelligence, because humans are innately thought to be better. There there is little difference between man and creature aside from mans tyranny and sadism. People need to realize, as Sterling did, that animals and people can live side by side.

i give this book a 9.5/10