Two familiar mammals that often find their way into the cities are skunks and raccoons. Although both belong to the order Carnivora, both of them are omnivores and do not depend strictly on meat provided by other vertebrates. I have been fortunate in having seen both of these mammals in my own suburban backyard, most likely attracted by the seed underneath the birdfeeder. I have also had the pleasure of having a female skunk raise her young under my front step not once, but twice. The babies are very fluffy, playful and quite kitten-like, and it is fun to watch them cavorting in my front garden around dusk when they emerge from their den. Still, like all wildlife, they are best enjoyed from a safe and respectful distance.