Racoon on my deck

So I am sitting at my kitchen table just now and a raccoon is looking at me through the patio door. He is now eating out of my birdfeeder. Do I call animal control for this?!?!

 

Here is the little buggar.....

 

Raccoons - the other, other white meat.

 

He's so cute! I realize they're not terribly friendly, but why would you call animal control?

 

Because this guy doesn't seem to be afraid of me. I opened the door and went out there and he just looked - didn't budge. I also have a 2 year old that wants to play on the deck.

AC basically said to remove the food source but then I feel bad for the birds.

 

A racoon at a bird feeder is a pretty common occurance here.

 

It's a first for me!!

 

He looks like a baby... Racoons do not only hunt at night and few who live in the suburbs have much of a fear of people. A rabid animal looks sicks this youngster looks very healthy...Take the food away and he'll find "greener pastures.

Can I forward the photo to the Naturalist? We have a selection of local wildlife photos here at the nature Center.

 

I'm surprised by the number of families who move out here who are so bothered by the wildlife that they want every raccoon and squirrel picked up and carted away. Personally, I'd prefer to see them picked up and carted away:rolleyes3:

And just so everyone is aware, raccoons are nursing their litters right about now, so don't be alarmed when you see them in broad daylight. They search for food whenever they're not nursing their babies.

 

Maureen, of course you can forward it! I'll let him finish his lunch in peace now.

 

I never said I wanted him picked up and carted away. Don't put words into my mouth. He is out there happily eating and I am leaving him alone. I was just surprised to see him up on a 2nd story deck and seemingly unafraid of me. Jeesh people need to chill out.

 

That's very kind to let him/her feed but beware the baby will return for more food, later.

 

I wasn't referring to you.

 

aaawwwww- he's so cute! i would have called AC too to get guidance on dealing with it- they can do real damage to people, especially if threatened. and where there's a baby, there's a baby mama!

the birds will find a way to survive- but maybe you can move your feeder to a different location so your toddler can go on the deck...?

great picture!!!

 

Cute picture! I would have called AC to see what to do also. I also would have enjoyed the experience of seeing a raccoon up close hehehe.

 

Just for everyone's info....animal control will not pick up a racoon. My cat was attacked by a racoon and animal control just said they don't pick them up because they have babies. Told me to keep my cat inside and take down the birdfeeder. I kept my cat inside till it healed, but wouldn't stop feeding the birds.

 

SarasMom, I can "borrow" you a very energetic black lab named Rocky who luuuuvvvvs to make new friends. You have the key.

 

Polar,

What a nice lookin dog!

 

aaaawwwwww- i love Rocky!!! If he ever wants to play with an equally social and friend making JTR- PM ME! Beemer loves playdates...