Re: Racoons

My own experience is that racoons do little damage beyond opening up garbage
cans that are not well-secured.
I am well aware that there are many rabid raccoons in this area and was
really frightened one night when a raccoon walked through the open kitchen
door to eat the cat food that was by the door. My very elderly and obese
female cat (dead now, but going on 20 then) got very riled up, chased the
raccoon upstairs and around the house a few times, then finally herded it
outside. Our cat was the heroine for the evening, though we instantly
decided to keep her food dish further from the doorway.
Nancy S. (NYC, zone 6B)

>In a message dated 3/4/01 10:14:06 AM Eastern Standard Time, NardaA@AOL.COM
>writes:
>
><<
> Buy or rent a big have a heart trap, bait it with cat food and haul off the
> critter after you catch it. >>
>
>Hi guys,
>
>You cannot trap and move a native animal legally in NYS.  There is an
>explanation.  It is asserted that the moved animal will be dislodged again by
>his own who are territorial and/or that it will die from this kindness.
>
>So putting an offending small animal into a big wide space "where it can be
>happy" is not possible according to the EPA of NYS. Connie, my husband used
>to pop the tail ends of the deer with an air rifle and the effect is
>momentary.  A racoon is far less damaging in the garden than deer or voles
>for that matter.
>
>The racoons were seriously infected with rabies here in NY, reaching a height
>of infection a few years ago and dying in great numbers.  We had a huge
>information campaign on dealing with racoons.  Since they also visit our
>garden and buildings, I paid attention.
>A racoon that behaved in a peculiar manner was to be suspected.  Your state
>environmental agency could help you there.
>
>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
>
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