Raccoon Washing Food After Rain in Cotswolds

Damp fur clings to a raccoon's body as it stands at the water's edge, paws submerged in a shallow pool. Late summer greenery frames the stone-lined bank behind the animal. Raindrops still rest on the raccoon's black-masked face and the surrounding leaves. The sky above is a washed-out grey, casting soft, even light across the wet stones and the creature's alert posture. Fine mist hangs in the air, catching the light near the water's surface. The raccoon's eyes are wide and focused, scanning the surroundings while its front paws manipulate a small object. One droplet falls from the tip of its left paw onto the dark, slick rock below.