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Meet New York City's Most Affluent Family of Raccoons

close up of a raccoon.
close up of a raccoon. PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

Most of us dream of having our own home overlooking the beautiful Central Park in New York City. While most of those homes are well out of reach for most of the population, a new family just moved in for free. With a scenic view that overlooks the park, this family of raccoons just became the newest residents of Central Park.

Caught climbing out of their home inside a tree, this family of raccoons made an appearance in the middle of the busy day. While it's highly unusual for raccoons to make daytime appearances, there are several reasons why they would emerge while there is still sun out. Perhaps they just wanted to give us a tour of the new home?

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"Perfect Piece of High-End Real Estate! Safe and Dry!"

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G7IbjN6ieqY

While finding a raccoon out in the middle of the day is not very likely, this group managed to give Central Park visitors quite the surprise. At first, the older raccoon emerged quietly and slowly out of the hole of a hollow tree in the middle of the famed park. Shortly after, two baby raccoons also started sticking their heads out of the hole, taking in the view of the people.

Taking a quick scan of their surroundings, the oldest raccoon slowly retreated into the hole bit by bit until only their small foot was left outside. Although it was likely that the raccoons emerged too early in their day, it was a fun sight for everyone around to enjoy.

In the comments, users were equal parts shocked and jealous of the raccoons' newest real estate. "Upper class raccoons in their expensive NY apartment with garden view," joked one commenter.

Another user added, "That last foot slowllllllly going inside tree.... Slowest exit ever! Too much cuteness for sure."

"Perfect piece of high end real estate! Safe and dry!" commented another viewer.

With current home prices, we definitely agree that this family of raccoons got a great deal for their place.

Related: House Bunny Shows Us a Day in Their Life, and It's Adorable

Why Would a Raccoon Be Out in the Day?

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Alexas_Fotos / Pixabay

Although in some cases spotting a raccoon out during the day could be a sign of rabies or illness, there are plenty of other reasons why you might spot one of these adorable bandits out and about.

If the raccoon needs food or water, it's not uncommon for them to take advantage of the daytime to hunt for food. Sudden disturbances or loud noises can also startle them, waking them from their hiding places.

However, in this case, it's most likely a nursing mother. Because nursing requires more energy and calories, the oldest raccoon in the group is likely, in fact, the mother, who may need to forage more to keep herself ready to continue nursing. Whichever the case, we can assume this family has the best view of all of New York.

Related: This Lego Gray Wolf Build Looks Like Nature Decor for Grown-Ups

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 5:20 PM.

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