NOW ADDING RACCOONS TO THE HATE LIST

[Salixx]

It's still too cold for my orchids to go out, but we've got a bear that's taking a liking to the dumpster and a raccoon that was killing my landlord's chickens. Plus a bunch of squirrels and birds.

I caught the bear a few times and opened my window and yelled at it. I hope the dumpster is less attractive now. If only I could get the landlord to close it...

I'm actually most concerned about the grey catbird pair. They really like red things.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by katrina

Yep...same here! Well-populated suburb of Columbus, OH and we have all sorts of critters running around. Including, skunks! We have a lot of raccoons but GEEZ we have a ton of skunks! Cute as they are...they are not bright, and, unfortunately, many are not that afraid of the dogs or humans around here and they don't immediately run but rather stand their ground longer than they should and it's resulted in many, many, many dogs in our neighborhood getting sprayed.

Our skunks are VERY bold! A few weeks back I watched one play charge and retreat with my neighbor's very large dog. Dog would run toward it...skunk would charge in defense and dog would retreat...dog would go at him again w/the skunk backing up and then the skunk would again go on the charge. This went on for a few minutes...back and forth...even w/my yelling and trying to distract the dog and scare off the skunk. I did my best but I didn't want to get in the line of fire...and sure 'nuff...poor Ollie got sprayed. And, no, rabies was not a concern. Although, admittedly, I did consider that but there have been no recent reports of rabies in raccoons or skunks around here. Bats have become the bigger threat for rabies in central Ohio.

At least the skunks don't mess w/the orchids but I'd rather have raccoons than skunks because the raccoons have sense enough to run when we go outside at night. And, I'm not going to get a nasty dose of stink w/a raccoon.

We saw a fox running around the neighborhood last summer...now that was one critter I didn't mind seeing. I would love to see more of those!

Many years ago we had a sort of a wild pet skunk. A friend's basement was our hangout but smoking was not permitted indoors so we would often step out the walkout into his wooded backyard. At the time he had a black and white cat, and the first time the skunk appeared we all thought that's what it was. He would walk fearlessly right through the circle we were standing in and go about his business digging grubs as if we weren't there. He was a frequent visitor and never showed the slightest sign of distress at our presence.

[Arizona Jeanie]

Come to Arizona and get acquainted with Javelina!

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by Arizona Jeanie

Come to Arizona and get acquainted with Javelina!

AT least they don't climb. Much.

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Many years ago we had a sort of a wild pet skunk. A friend's basement was our hangout but smoking was not permitted indoors so we would often step out the walkout into his wooded backyard. At the time he had a black and white cat, and the first time the skunk appeared we all thought that's what it was. He would walk fearlessly right through the circle we were standing in and go about his business digging grubs as if we weren't there. He was a frequent visitor and never showed the slightest sign of distress at our presence.

One lucky group!

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by Arizona Jeanie

Come to Arizona and get acquainted with Javelina!

At least they can't climb. Much.

---------- Post added at 10:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 PM ----------

Kind of strange. I replied several hours ago to Arizona Jeanie, above, using the Quote button, but my response isn't showing. However, the thread listing in the Forums shows me as the last poster (before I wrote this post.)