Don't Mind Me, Just Passing Through Notizbuch

You know that feeling when someone gives you "the look"? Well, this common raccoon, native to North America, certainly mastered it! I've playfully called this photo "Don't Mind Me, Just Passing Through" because that's exactly the message he seemed to be sending. I was enjoying a walk through a nature preserve in Central Florida, keeping an eye out for alligators, when this distinctive masked mammal (they're typically 16-28 inches long!) appeared. He wasn't aggressive at all, but his quiet demeanor definitely said, "Enjoy the view, but let me be." So, after a quick photo op, I gave him his space. A perfect little wild encounter!