A raccoon named Conrad, who became a viral sensation in Toronto in 2015 after being found dead on a sidewalk, has been memorialized with a heritage plaque. This plaque commemorates the 10th anniversary of his death, featuring the DeadRaccoonTO hashtag and a QR code for sharing raccoon stories. Conrad represents a significant connection between urban wildlife and community. Historical context shows that raccoons once faced extinction due to industrialization, but have since adapted to urban settings. The plaque aims to promote community engagement around raccoon stories.
The plaque includes photos of the posts that launched the DeadRaccoonTO hashtag, imprints of raccoon paws and a QR code that leads to a website where people can post their own raccoon stories.
In the early 1900s, industrialization and deforestation caused such a threat to the raccoon population that people worried the creatures would go extinct.
Now, raccoons have become so adaptable and resilient that they've made their homes in attics and sheds, they've found new diet sources and human-discarded food.
Promoting community engagement was the main goal of the plaque, since 'everyone has a raccoon story in Toronto.'
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