OUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD RACCOON

I had not seen him for a while and then after I checked the bird cam after having it out for a few days, I saw that he visited on three nights.  I would love to know the range of its territory.  I have been trying to time it so that all the birdseed has been eaten, but there was still enough left for a good snack on these visits.  Apparently, I have fussy feeders.  I changed the birdseed to a different type as I couldn't find their regular, and all of a sudden, my birdseed eaters slowed down.  Who knew?  Anyhow, these little bandits, though they look endearing, I don't forget, must not forget, that they are wildlife, and are also fierce, highly intelligent, and are curious about everything. 

Raccoons are known for “washing” their food, but I read that what they are really using their front paws for, is to search, examine and dissect their food before eating. They have highly developed nerves in their front paws, which become more sensitive when immersed in water.

The raccoon's scientific name, Procyon lotor, means dog-like, though they are more related to the bear than to the dog.  They are also very good at climbing trees.  I can attest to this first-hand, as years ago we lived on the back of a wood, and there were several very large trees right next to the deck.  

In our navy days one of the places we lived was in a row of navy housing, and it was a habit for all of us to visit using each other via the back door.  Our route was a narrow, continuous balcony.

We hadn't long moved in, and I was still unaware of the local wildlife, having a three-year old to take care of which was paramount.  On one of the first get-togethers with other wives, I had a call to come over next door.  There was no moon and no porch light, and as I stepped outside, I came nose to nose with a very big raccoon.  I did not know I could scream that loud.  I wasn't sure what I was looking at, I only had seconds as it took off like a shot, up the tree it came down from - poor thing.  I jumped back as though my heels had springs, still holding one perpetual scream as I slammed the sliding door behind me.  

A few moments later I heard the doorbell, and it was my friend telling me she was there to escort me over, using the front door this time, with a big, wry smile on her face and having a giggle.  The group of ladies were still laughing after hearing me scream, and that night I was the ice-breaker.  I was not the first to almost kiss a raccoon apparently.  They had heard those screams before, and I was the newbie on the block, so it was just a matter of time. I learned the raccoons were frequent visitors, and I got to know the whole family throughout the time we lived there, while keeping a respectful distance.  I actually missed them when we moved to another duty station.  I have told this story before but just in case this is new to you, I am sharing it again.

So, endearing as they may be, I do not want to encourage these little darlings for safety's sake, and will make a better effort to make sure all the birdseed has gone by the time it gets dark. He probably does a round of the neighborhood as I have seen several bird feeders out in other gardens.  He's out foraging for whatever he can get, perhaps opening a few trash cans along the way. 

I am also sharing the following.  They are only a few seconds long.  I am very happy with the fact that the trail cam, or bird cam as I call it, takes photos as well as videos.

If you have any of your own raccoon stories out there, I would love to hear them.