What's that noise?

Many along the Peabody Street corridor were awoken last night to the sounds of what one ear-witness described as “a demon devouring a squeaky toy.” Fear not, dear readers, these are the sounds of springtime and love is in the air! Raccoon mating season is upon us filling the night air with the singularly disturbing sounds of nature’s wonder and glory. Dr. Picoides, The Observer’s chief nature correspondent describes the phenomenon:

Procyon lotor, more commonly known as the North American Raccoon, enter the mating season during the early Spring months in a period triggered by the moon’s proximity to the ice caps. During the mating season, males restlessly roam their home ranges in search of wanton females in an attempt to court during the 3-4 day period when conception is possible. These encounters will often occur at predesignated central meeting places, as agreed to by the raccoon governance council. Copulation, including a diversity of foreplay, can last over an hour and is repeated over several nights, or until one of the participants “taps out.”

So, batten down the hatches at night for the next couple of weeks dear readers, because Peabody Street’s next generation of raccoons are in the works.