Man in the Hood with Pet Raccoon Named Swiper Goes Viral

A video of a man in the hood with a pet raccoon named Swiper has gone viral on social media, attracting millions of views and comments. The footage shows the man in the parking lot of a business called “Food Store”, where he demonstrates how his pet raccoon follows him around just like a pet dog, and can even play dead when he pretends to shoot it with a finger gun.

The man, who has not been identified, named his pet raccoon Swiper, which could be paying homage to Swiper The Fox, a character from the popular children’s show Dora the Explorer. Swiper The Fox is known for stealing things from Dora and her friends, and saying “Swiper, no swiping!” to stop him.

The video is shocking, because no one ever thought a person living in the hood would keep a pet raccoon. Raccoons are usually considered pests or nuisances, and are often associated with garbage, disease, and destruction. However, some people have kept domesticated raccoons as pets over the years, even though they are illegal in many areas and pose many challenges and risks.

The Dangers of Having a Raccoon as a Pet

Raccoons are wild animals that have not been domesticated like dogs or cats. They have complex needs and behaviors that make them difficult to keep as pets.

They can be unpredictable and aggressive, especially when they reach sexual maturity. They can bite or scratch anyone, including their owners, family members, pets, strangers, and other animals. They can also cause serious damage to property and belongings with their sharp teeth and claws.

Raccoons can also carry and transmit various diseases and parasites to humans and other animals, such as rabies, distemper, salmonella, leptospirosis, fleas, and roundworms. There is no approved vaccination for rabies in raccoons, so if a raccoon bites or scratches someone, it may be confiscated and euthanized for testing and safety reasons.

Raccoons require specialized care from veterinarians who have knowledge and experience in exotic pets. It may be hard to find such a vet in your area, and they may charge more than regular vets. You also need to find someone who can look after your raccoon if you go out of town or are unable to care for it. You cannot board your raccoon like you would with a cat or dog, as most facilities do not accept them.

Raccoons are intelligent and curious animals that like to explore and play. They can open doors, unscrew lids, and do other tasks with their long-fingered paws. They also have a strong sense of smell, and will scavenge for food wherever they can find it. This means they can get into trouble easily and make a mess of your home and belongings.

The Benefits of Having a Raccoon as a Pet

Despite the dangers and difficulties of having a raccoon as a pet, some people may still find them appealing and rewarding companions.

As aforementioned they are smart animals that can learn tricks and commands. They can also problem-solve and remember things well. They may entertain you with their antics and surprise you with their abilities. You saw an example in the video above when the raccoon played dead after its owner pointed a finger gun at it.

Raccoons can be affectionate and loyal to their owners if they are raised from a young age and socialized properly. They may cuddle with you, groom you, or follow you around. They may also bond with other pets in your household if they are introduced early and carefully. This could indicate the man in the video above got or found the raccoon when it was very young.

Raccoons are not common pets, so having one may make you stand out from the crowd. You may attract attention and curiosity from others who want to see or learn more about your unusual pet. In essence having one could turn you into an internet star or local sensation.

For example if the man in the footage above started a YouTube called “Swiper the Raccoon Hood Chronicles” where he posted videos about the about his unusual pet, it would make some quick cash, and gain a following quickly.

In conclusion, before you rush to get your own pet raccoon, you should be aware of the legalities, ethics, dangers, and benefits of doing so.

Raccoons are not suitable pets for everyone, and they require a lot of time, money, and care. You should only get a pet raccoon if you are prepared to provide a proper and enriching environment for the animal, and respect its boundaries as a wild creature that cannot be fully tamed.