I remember watching my father closing the garbage can with a strong spring that tightly clasped the edges of the galvanized steel container. It certainly looked impenetrable. After sunset, it was just minutes before the raccoons had cracked open the strange contraption and began devouring the dinner leftovers. Nature certainly endowed Raccoons with intelligence and the most dexterous hands. Native Americans were the first to discover their unusual paws. The English word, raccoon, comes from the Powhatan word “aroughcun,” which means "animal that scratches with its hands." The Aztecs described the creature in a similar fashion. They named it “mapachitli,” or "one who takes everything in its hands." Today, “mapache,” means "raccoon" in Spanish. “Raccoon in Maple Tree,” is a digital painting and composite created by Spadecaller.