To be fair, raccoons give (and take) gifts. I think they consider anything shiny or colorful you leave out accessible to them a gift. My wife was attempting to feed neighborhood cats and we did get some, but we also got raccoons. They took a bright red bowl we were feeding them out of. In return, we've received several shiny rocks and a spoon.

[–] Facelikeapotato@lemmy.ml 62 points 9 months ago

Raccoons giveth, and raccoons taketh away.

[–] Rubanski@lemm.ee 17 points 9 months ago (2 children)

That sounds lovely! I would like to trade gifts with racoons!

[–] bmsok@lemmy.world 25 points 9 months ago (1 children)

But when it's 1:30am and two of them jump out of a dumpster at you as you're taking out the trash after a night with friends it feels more like a standoff and your trash is a mafia-style bribe

[–] Rubanski@lemm.ee 7 points 9 months ago (1 children)

But what will be my mystery gift in return?

[–] bmsok@lemmy.world 7 points 9 months ago

I guess in the moment my gift was that I didn't have to get a rabies shot? Time will tell if/when I see those critters again.

[–] Ziglin@lemmy.world 4 points 9 months ago

I'd prefer magpies.

[–] littlewonder@lemmy.world 16 points 9 months ago

The magpie of mammals.