Q: I know that you are concerned about raccoons, but isn't there just as much danger, if not more, from neighborhood dogs? (Especially the yappy little ones that just have a generally bad attitude.) Also, what about squirrels?

A: Reasons why raccoons are MUCH scarier than dogs:

(1) Raccoons have thumbs, so they can open garbage cans, doors, and all kinds of other things that dogs can’t.
(2) Raccoons are nocturnal, so they’re most likely to sneak up on you when you’re sleeping.
(3) Raccoons have resisted domestication, so they’re much tougher than dogs.
(4) Urban raccoons have been getting bolder and more dangerous, even going so far as to attack cats and dogs.

Squirrels freak me out when I’m outside, but no one I know has had issues with them invading the house. I’ve heard lots of stuff about raccoons coming in through pet doors and terrorizing families and pets.

Honestly, I don’t know why everyone isn’t building raccoon-proof panic rooms right now. Wake up and fear the raccoons, people!

* Send your question to Alex--or any of our other action figures--by filling out our Ask the Action Figures form.