Unusual ‘bandits’ plaguing North Philly

What is normally a woodland creature is causing trouble in Philadelphia.

Councilman Darrell Clarke said raccoons are becoming a major problem in Philadelphia.

“It’s amazing it is pretty much in the top three of concerns raised by people, particularly in the North Philadelphia part of my district, there are all types of stories how raccoons essentially clear the street at night,” said Clarke. “They walk down the cats, the kids all run when they seen the raccoons coming.”

The councilman said with only one game commissioner in Philadelphia the problem is worsening.

“This is something that the administration in the city of Philadelphia needs to take responsibility for. People shouldn’t have to be concerned about walking out their front door and being approached by a raccoon, sometimes up to 30-35 pounds on their sidewalk,” he said.

Clarke has written a bill that would turn over raccoon control to the health department, which currently handles rats in the city.