I think I'll name him Rocky.

 "With their bandit's mask and ringed tail, raccoons (Procyon lotor) are one of North America's most charismatic and recognizable species—even if they are not frequently seen due to their nocturnal habits."

- The Humane Society

Since returning to Mills College, and getting settled in my new room, I have discovered that my bedroom window, when the screen is removed, is a much faster and easier way to enter/exit the building than either of the two doors I could (should?) use, which are two flights up or down stairs. It's ground level, with a little concrete alleyway that leads to one of the main roads on campus.  Soooo in that respect, I have permanently removed the screen, and am storing it in my closet for the duration of the semester. 

Wellll...it's been rather hot here lately, and as NorCal has apparently never heard of A/C, we have to resort to open windows.  This is kind of inconvenient without a screen, but I've learned to deal. Two nights ago, I was on the phone when I heard a rustling noise, like someone walking through the alleyway. It took me a second to realize that it's not exactly normal to have night walkers past my window, which is out of the way of any normal destination on campus.

That is, unless you're a RACCOON! My visitor shuffled up and stopped right outside my window.
 (there's no raccoon here, it's just to give you an idea what my window looks like)
He sat on his haunches and just stared at me, not breaking eye contact. Mind you, it was open, and screenless. Nevermind that the open part is about three feet above the ground from the outside, I was taking no chances that this bandit leap into my room and scratch me to death or bite me with his rabid fangs.

So I did what any logical 19-year-old girl alone at night would do...I started screeching. I can only assume he was less than impressed with my pathetic reaction since he ambled off shortly thereafter.

It was at this point when I thought to myself, "What have I done?" and began to desperately scramble for my camera to document this night visitor.
  (you can almost see him just after the shadow starts)
Sadly, the wall outside caught the flash when I flung my arm out the window, so I made the executive decision to hop out of my window, shoeless, in hot pursuit.

Raccoons are much faster than they look.

I chased him until he ran off up a hill, at which point I had to stop and assess the situation. I decided continuing without shoes in uncharted, unpaved territory was a mal decision and so returned to my room.
  (he's just to the right of that green bush thing)
HOWEVER. I put an apple outside my window, sliced in half, and have been monitoring it. It is thus far unmolested save the few ants that discovered it earlier today. But I have hopes that my masked bandit will return.

***update***

9/1/08

I put some PB&J breadcrusts out there, and they are definitely gone. The apple, however, remains. Guess raccoons (or birds or feral cats or whatever else) are partial to bread...

9/20/08

I've since tried: oyster crackers, cheese, an ice cream cone, and salami. Either the cats or the raccoon LOVE the oyster crackers and salami, and cheese. No one seems to like fruit, as the apple disappeared eventually but it sure took a while. What shall I try next?