Sheriff’s deputies in Washington’s Kitsap County frequently get calls about animals — loose livestock, problem dogs. But the 911 call they received recently from a woman being hounded by dozens of raccoons swarming her home near Poulsbo stood out.
The woman reported having had to flee her property after 50 to 100 raccoons descended upon it and were acting aggressively, said Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. She told deputies she started feeding a family of raccoons decades ago and it was fine until about six weeks earlier, when the number showing up went from a handful to around 100.
Pompoko, sometimes subtitled “The Raccoon War.”
That scene is among the least zany things that happen in it. You should check it out; it is absolutely worth a watch. Especially if you’re into Japanese mythology and yōkai. So in that vein, I’m going to throw down some nerd trivia, now.
Yes, those raccoons (tanuki, actually) were attacking people with their balls. This is consistent with Japanese folklore.
The tanuki are Japanese racoon dogs, are traditionally tricksters, and are said to have shapeshifting powers. Mario’s raccoon and “tanooki” suit (arguably misspelled in the English translation) is based on this:
This includes the ability to turn into a statue…
…which is something that the tanuki also do in the movie, or attempt to do, with varying success:
Note also how they use their, er, sacks to glide. Does that remind you of anything?
You’ll never look at him the same way ever again.
Amazing stuff!