Deep Dive
Why did Toronto introduce raccoon-resistant compost bins?
To prevent raccoons from accessing compost, which had become an all-you-can-eat buffet for them, leading to widespread mess and nuisance.
How did Toronto's relationship with raccoons evolve over time?
Initially, raccoons were seen as a source of pride, but their destructive behavior, such as breaking into homes and spreading compost, led to a love-hate relationship.
What was the design criteria for the new green bins?
The bins needed a locking lid that could be opened automatically by a truck arm, withstand extreme weather, be ergonomic, and be rodent-resistant.
How did raccoons initially respond to the new green bins?
Initially, the bins seemed effective, leading to concerns that raccoons might be starving without access to compost.
What was the turning point in the effectiveness of the green bins?
A viral video showed a raccoon successfully opening a bin, leading to widespread reports of break-ins and questioning the bin's design.
How did the city of Toronto initially respond to reports of bin break-ins?
The city blamed user error, suggesting homeowners weren't locking the bins properly, and emphasized that only a handful of complaints had been received out of 450,000 bins.
What did the raccoon expert, Suzanne McDonald, conclude about the bins?
She confirmed that raccoons could indeed open the bins by knocking them over, making the handle easier to turn, and that this behavior could potentially spread among raccoons.
What alternative food source did raccoons find after the green bins were introduced?
Raccoons shifted to accessing traditional garbage, ensuring they remained well-fed despite the new bins.
What was the fate of Rebecca, the raccoon gifted to President Calvin Coolidge?
Rebecca became a pet at the White House, living with the Coolidges and later being handed off to a zoo after causing some trouble with her wild behavior.
How did the introduction of the green bins impact Toronto's raccoon population?
The population remained robust, with raccoons finding alternative food sources in garbage, indicating the bins were not as effective as initially hoped.
- Toronto introduces new compost bins designed to be raccoon-resistant.
- Mayor John Tory announces the new bins as part of the city's war on raccoons.
- The bins are designed to be difficult for raccoons to open, but skepticism arises.
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