Question

Prompt: picture this scene

You’re walking along the street when you see a knocked-over trash can with its contents spilled all over the sidewalk. The lid of the trash can is about 10 feet up in the branches of a tree across the street. You notice that the trash bags inside have been torn to shreds, and something has tried to eat what was in the trash can. You smell a fishy odor and notice several fish bones. You also see an apple that, strangely, looks like it wasn’t touched. You notice some pieces of short, gray fur next to the trash can, as well as what looks like some brown feathers.

You figure it must have been an animal that messed up the trash can’s contents . . . but what animal? A mystery!

Make a claim about what type of animal tipped over the trash can. A claim is a debatable statement that needs to be supported with evidence.
Quote 2–3 pieces of evidence that made you think this.
In 2–3 sentences, explain how your evidence proves your claim. This is called reasoning.

There’s no right or wrong answer, but make sure that your evidence and reasoning clearly prove your claim about which animal is responsible!

Answer 1

Claim: A raccoon tipped over the trashcan but it had the help of a pigeon.

A raccoon tipped over the trashcan with the help of a pigeon. Raccoons are notoriously known for sneaking into trashcans. However, this raccoon make a terrible mistake in which the evidence lead me to believe this creature committed the crime of knocking over a trash can that didn't belong to him. Critter control even stated that "Raccoons are agile and clever animals that like to break into trash bins for food using any means necessary." This shows these dangerous animals cannot be trusted. Now in my claim, I mentioned a pigeon. Pigeons will do whatever they can to get food even if it means assisting a raccoon in tipping over a trash can. Action pest control stated "Pigeons are opportunistic eaters, which are well adapted to the urban landscape. They can find all the food they need in dumpsters, trash cans, trash piles, vegetable gardens, and more." I hope this evidence proves that there are not only one but 2 culprits. After my thorough investigation, I conclude that both a pigeon and a raccoon are guilty of this misconduct.

Step-by-step explanation: