Here Are Animals Crazier Than The Skyscraper-Scaling Raccoon

SAINT PAUL, MN — Yes, a raccoon scaled a skyscraper. The story has undoubtedly made it into your news feed, work lounge or local Patch by now. But if you live under a rock, here's the gist: millions of people anxiously watched as the animal — since nicknamed "spider-raccoon" — successfully scale 23 floors of a building in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The animal summited the building just before 3 a.m. Wednesday and was immediately captured by animal control.

It was an impressive feat sure to earn the animal a place in Patch's animal lore.

But let's not kid ourselves — this isn't a LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan kind of debate. This raccoon stands on the shoulders of giants.

So in the spirit of adventurous animals, Patch is taking a moment to honor animals of the past who dared to defy expectations. If an animal captured America's heart, we probably wrote about it.

Here are some of our favorites.

WATCH: Mama Bear And Cubs Go Swimming In Backyard Pool
This family watched in awe as a mother bear and her five cubs took a dip in in their backyard pool. The visitors played, splashed and otherwise made themselves at home in the yard.

Pet Squirrel Attacks Burglar, Receives Whoppers Candy As Reward

This rowdy rodent, Joey, used physical force to fend off a burglar who broke into his owner's home in Meridian, Idaho.

No Really, This Guy Was Being Followed By A Pig

Police thought this guy was drunk when he called authorities saying he was being "followed by a pig" and didn't "know what to do." He wasn't drunk. And he wasn't lying.

Bobcat Traps Family Inside Their Bathroom

This bobcat sneaked into a home and gave a mother and her two young children quite a scare.

WATCH: Brave Sandhill Crane Dad Shields Family From Gator

When your kids inevitably ask you how far you'd go to protect them, send them this video. Nothing else.

Snapping Turtle Taken Into Custody In Hackettstown

If a picture is worth a thousand words, you won't be disappointed. Police apprehended this giant snapping turtle following a "slow pursuit."

That's No Bull! Wait, It's 2 Bulls

Two bulls caused some chaos in this California city when they began fighting in the middle of a residential street. Needless to say, cars, fences and some planter boxes took the brunt of the damage.

See Mountain Lions Wrestle On Santa Cruz County Porch

You've heard of a cat fight, right? This wasn't that. There's video.

Bears Break Into Vegas Shooting Victim's Monrovia Home: VIDEO

These bears were just looking for a snack. Cat food fit the bill.

Deer Spotted In Pacific Ocean With Sharks Near It: WATCH

"We're out doing the shark survey... seen a couple sharks and I've got a deer here off my bow that looks to be in trouble. I'm trying not to freak him out."

Turkey Crashes Through Boonton Family's Living Room

There was some damage done to the living room. There was a lot of damage to the window.

Sanctuaries Offer Permanent Home To Orland Park Bobcat

Lynxie the bobcat was found inside a shuttered storefront during a weapons warrant search. Authorities also found a squatter, guns, and 100 rounds of ammunition.

WATCH: Gorilla See, Gorilla Do; Bolingo Mimics Caretaker

This video takes "monkey see, monkey do," to a whole new level. This animal care specialist is teaching primates how to do handstands.

Watch This Peacock Wreak Havoc In Arcadia Liquor Store

This tenacious bird flapped and flew around this shopkeeper's business, knocking bottles from store shelves .

Watch: Bull Runs Through Brooklyn, Captured in Prospect Park

A rogue bull ran through parts of Brooklyn and onto a soccer field.

Police Snatch Piper 'The Wonder Cat' from the Jaws of Coyote

You've heard of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. But have you heard of snatching a cat from the jaws of a coyote?

WATCH: Fair Haven Family Dog Eats Butterfly Kids Raised For Weeks

These kids raised a butterfly for weeks, from infancy as a humble caterpillar. But when they tried to release it, the family dog was having none of it.

Cat Scares Away Bear in South Brunswick

When this bear made itself at home on a driveway, the family couldn't scare it off. Then a tomcat named "Baby" showed up.

Big-City Bear Visits Fulton County Jail

Visiting hours were over at this jail, but that didn't stop this bear from trying his best to enter.

Wethersfield's Kevin the Turkey Relocated

This turkey, "Kevin," became a YouTube and Facebook sensation for his travels — and has been known to actually use crosswalks when navigating busy roads. There was even a campaign to elect him mayor.

Lead photo credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images