[mg39]

Of course animals think. They may not think on the level of human beings, but an animal as highly evolved as a raccoon is certainly capable of thought and feeling. Any ignorance here is on your part: ignorance of biology and ethology, and your "just shoot it" mentality.

[pageonetoo]

of course animals think, and they design skyscrapers and airplanes. They contribute to our economy as food, and provide companionship for the lonely, but I have never seen a single wild or domestic animal that I could converse with...
Having studied both biology and theology, I have a great deal of respect for that which God gives to us, but you give yourself away when you talk about how the racoon has "evolved".
My teachings on biology were that animals do not reason (read=think). They respond to stimuli (hunger, fear, danger, sex)!
and it is almost hunting season... do you own a gun, or bow & arrow, or just go to the supermarket for all that you eat??