It is unfortunate that so many animal shows portray these animals a cute cuddly "Bambie's" and until you watch a show like "When Animals Go WILD", you have no idea of just how dangerous they can be.
When ever you think of "shooing" raccoons, possums or even chipmunks off your porch, remember "RABIES" !!!! the shot are very painful ! I was nipped by a dog that wandered into the school yard when I was in second grade, I received 5 RABIESinjections into my stomach, and they hurt like fire ! I am told that they are not that bad today, but I really don't want to find out !!!!
And NEVER "shoo" cougars, bears, feral dogs and cats, foxes, skunks, bob cats and family as well as crocodiles or snakes. In some areas lizards like the beaded lizard and the Gila Monster should only be approached by professionals !
Aside from diseases, MOTHER ANIMALS are the most dangerous creatures, when their offspring are still with her ! They have been known to fight to the death protecting their young !
All wild animals, as well as domestic animals, are unpredictable at best, be cautious at all times. There really not Bambie's, and Bambi's do not represent reality.
Bill