Urban Inspiration

I didn't expect inspiration from something that just crawled out of the sewer. My partner and I set out on foot for an evening errand a few days ago. As we crossed the street crittery chatter from a sewer grate less than 10 feet away from us grabbed our attention. Wanting a good view for whatever show was about to unfold, while at the same time wanting to maintain a distance that felt safe both for us and whatever it was that sounded keen to emerge, we stood halfway along the crosswalk in the middle of the street with our gazes trained on the grate, and we waited. Seconds later, out popped a juvenile raccoon, followed thereafter by who I could only presume to be Mom. Regarding us, as we regarded them right back, but sensing that we posed no threat, they shifted focus back to more pressing and still chattering matters. From what I could discern, there were at least two more of the brood still down below, either unable to scramble out, or having too much fun or altogether unwilling. We let them be, and carried on with our errand.

Even in a densely settled urban environment such as the one we live in, wildlife abounds. Cities are truly shared spaces. And while we may consider our urban environments as spaces we share with other people, the space sharing inherent in urban life absolutely transcends the human condition. I came across a clear and valuable discussion that catalyzed a shift in my perspective.

We think of cities as these remarkable networks of systems for and by people, often to the perceived exclusion of the natural world. The truth is different and simpler: cities are remarkable systems networks that are nestled into preexisting natural environments. Even the most thoughtlessly imposed urban settlements cannot completely squelch this vitality. My inner geek is delighted to have stumbled across more academic approaches to the study of urban wildlife and ecosystems. And I will continue to get a little bit smarter about things that I may do right at home to avoid doing harm and to help support the local critter communities in an appropriate manner. Chalk it up to my rural upbringing, but knowing who you live near and regarding them with compassion and respect is just fundamental to being a good neighbor.