Honestly... I LOVE raccoons. I even raised an orphaned one. Yes, I read that Wild Life thread. This was a real orphan. It was found on the back of a porch in another city. A friend of ours (who has raised many of them, and also has chickens), let us know and let us take it. It was a great experience and very fun! Yea eventually she grew up, and she left on her own. I had to wear gloves because her claws were so sharp. We have coons here that live in our catch basins on each end of our property. If a coon were to get a chicken, I would mourn, but the coon got a meal and was only trying to live its life. If it killed all but a couple, then I might get angry.
Ya'll remember "The Circle of Life"? Accept it and embrace it. I know that sounds harsh, but if one animal dies because of another, IMO, that's not something to get upset over unless it's a continous problem or if the animal is a major pest in your area. If it dies from a vehicle or a machine... that's different... These animals were here way before us and we should respect them. Not saying we shouldn't kill them as overpopulation can be a problem too and we always want to protect our children, wives, husbands, etc.
I know what you're thinking - that i'll change my mind once it happens. Trust me, I've had many animals die due to inexperience, mostly because I was younger. I mourned and I missed them, but I got over it. I know i'm not doing squat trying to change your opinions as you probably have your minds set in stone. This is what I feel and will continue to do so.