Raccoons are trained to pick up trash in Port Austin.

Port Austin‘s animal control department has announced a new program to reduce litter on public beaches and parks. Dozens of raccoons have been captured, trained, and given yellow vests to do what they do best: pick up trash.

The raccoons will begin patrolling sidewalks, beaches, parks, and dumpsters in the following weeks. Animal control specialist Rachel Carmichael said that upon discovering the animals can be trained found it a natural fit. “They’re smart, real smart”, Carmichael said. “And have you noticed their little paws? They look like hands? It’s like they were made for this.”