Re: Racoons
As a Minnesotan, I am speaking from what I see/read in my state- the natural
predators of the raccoon/skunk have been displaced/eliminated. Without care man
has upset the often brutal/vicious life cycle of skunk/raccoon that kept the
numbers of them at a sustainable level. "In the wild" was never a peaceful walk
in the park where the wild animals had picnics together.
Since they are no longer kept in balance by mother nature, what does that leave?
I see many killed by cars/by police/by starvation/by eating things they were
never meant to eat. We have had a infusion of rabid animals, who in their
confusion have wandered into town. My children learned at an early age, that a
skunk or raccoon seen in the daytime was often sick and they should stay away and
tell an adult. As a teacher, I know there are parents who don't bother to
discuss common dangers with their children, let alone cute, fluffy, animal
dangers. I and my fellow teachers do our best to educate about domestic and wild
animal problems- but a daytime skunk or raccoon in town is a tragedy waiting to
happen. I try to keep my children safe and call the DNR game warden and/or
police when I see one. With daytime skunks and raccoons, this is one time when
I have no vacancy policy.
connie k.hoy wrote:
> > Thanks so much Claire,
>
> This gives me a better understanding of what to expect..
> Connie
>
> Claire Peplowski wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > As for what they do in the gardens, it seems to me that only the vegetable
> > patches are effected. Noone grows corn here in home gardens. I think they
> > might sample vine crops from time to time. The important thing is to keep
> > all garbage cans indoors and covered. No cat or dog food outdoors. Bird
> > feeders with suet attract. And, maybe feel a bit of compassion for a fellow
> > who cannot find an apartment.
> >
> > Claire Peplowski
> > NYS z4
--
Sue Witzel
1009 Pershing Blvd
Worthington, MN 56187
507-376-4785
witzel@frontiernet.net
http://raineyhillscockers.tripod.com
"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our
wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
