Re: A long post about DUMB METATHERIANS vs EVIL, SMART PLACENTALS

[John Bois <jbois@umd5.umd.edu>]

On Sun, 20 May 2001, Ronald Orenstein wrote:

> Unfortunately for this hypothesis, raccoon numbers have RISEN at the hands 
> of man.  Raccoons are human commensals, reaching densities in suburban 
> areas of 69 per sq km according to "The Smithsonian Book of North American 
> Mammals" -higher than their density in natural woodlands (roughly 50 / sq km)!

Great.  Do you know offhand how many opossums in both habitats?  
In any case, perhaps a more fair test would be rural areas, away from the
trash.  For example, does the creation of farm land affect either animal
in a different way?