Raccoons

[beerlover (Premo)]

Wifey put the dogfood container out on the deck yesterday while she was cleaning the kitchen. Around 10pm we hear a commotion out on the deck and there are two raccoons out there trying to get into the big tupperware-type container, which they successfully opened in under a minute. They were cute little buggers running over to our waterfall/fountain to wash their hands and dip their food... BUT, I opened the door and took some flash photos of them and they didn't seem bothered at all. I was even talking to them and they were not running away. They looked and acted normally, but I know there is a high incidence of rabies in raccoon populations. We brought the dogfood back inside, but I'm wondering if I need to be worried about my dogs and kids running around in the yard....

[dt5255]

go to the DNR website and search for wildlife rehabilitaters. Go to St Mary's county on the list, There is a lady on there that can answer all your questions. I know her and she does alot with racoons

[Dymphna]

Raccoons like dog food. Opossums do too.

They have no reason to be scared of you, you fed them. They aren't gonna give up some good eating because some annoying two-leg is flashing a light in their face.

It was night, they didn't try to attack you. The rest is normal behavior. Don't worry about it.

[Mousebaby (Premo)]

If it had been catfood in that container the lid wouldn't have lasted that long!

[Inkpen (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Dymphna

Raccoons like dog food. Opossums do too.

They have no reason to be scared of you, you fed them. They aren't gonna give up some good eating because some annoying two-leg is flashing a light in their face.

It was night, they didn't try to attack you. The rest is normal behavior. Don't worry about it.

So true!!!!
Could be youngsters having a good time at the All You Can Eat Deck Diner!!!

Suggest you not put dog food out on deck..otherwise all the wild ones will be there chowing down adn leaving a huge mess!!!

It is normal to see raccoons in later afternoon and early evenings..this time of year, mommas have babies and she goes out to look for food when she can!!

If you have problems, feel free to contact me, I am a Master Wildlife Rehabilitator and will be happy to help out!!


Here is Marylands rabies stats..current up thru this month,
http://www.cha.state.md.us/edcp/vet_...ies_2000s.html

[desertrat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Inkpen

So true!!!!
Could be youngsters having a good time at the All You Can Eat Deck Diner!!!

Suggest you not put dog food out on deck..otherwise all the wild ones will be there chowing down adn leaving a huge mess!!!

It is normal to see raccoons in later afternoon and early evenings..this time of year, mommas have babies and she goes out to look for food when she can!!

If you have problems, feel free to contact me, I am a Master Wildlife Rehabilitator and will be happy to help out!!


Here is Marylands rabies stats..current up thru this month,
http://www.cha.state.md.us/edcp/vet_...ies_2000s.html

Ok, here's one for you. A wren built a nest in my garage. She can get in and out through a small crack under the door. When the babies start learning to fly, which won't be much longer, should I try to leave the door open for them? I just can't see their first flight being very long if not. On the other hand they are safe from the neighborhood cats in there. What say you?

[Mousebaby (Premo)]

Originally Posted by desertrat

Ok, here's one for you. A wren built a nest in my garage. She can get in and out through a small crack under the door. When the babies start learning to fly, which won't be much longer, should I try to leave the door open for them? I just can't see their first flight being very long if not. On the other hand they are safe from the neighborhood cats in there. What say you?

My mother and I faced a similar problem when a wren built her nest on our screened in porch. We noticed the babies flitting around inside the porch one morning so we snuck out and opened one of the doors and propped it open just enough for them to get in and out and they were fine.

Do you have like a side door or just the garage door? If its just the garage door just make it open large enough for them to get in and out. Momma bird will show them how to get in and out.

[Inkpen (Premo)]

Originally Posted by desertrat

Ok, here's one for you. A wren built a nest in my garage. She can get in and out through a small crack under the door. When the babies start learning to fly, which won't be much longer, should I try to leave the door open for them? I just can't see their first flight being very long if not. On the other hand they are safe from the neighborhood cats in there. What say you?

Congratulations on you latest batch of bug eaters!!!!

Leave door open 1/2 and they will leave.
Birds fly "to the light" ...
And like Mousebaby said: Momma will lead the way!!

Once fledged, they will be very safe from the cats.

Wrens love to nest near people....and I am sure many here have delightful stories to tell of the odd places they have found nests.

I have found them in my cloths pin bag, ball cap, just for starters!!

[desertrat (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Mousebaby

My mother and I faced a similar problem when a wren built her nest on our screened in porch. We noticed the babies flitting around inside the porch one morning so we snuck out and opened one of the doors and propped it open just enough for them to get in and out and they were fine.

Do you have like a side door or just the garage door? If its just the garage door just make it open large enough for them to get in and out. Momma bird will show them how to get in and out.

Back door is next to the nest. That's what she uses.

Originally Posted by Inkpen

Congratulations on you latest batch of bug eaters!!!!

Leave door open 1/2 and they will leave.
Birds fly "to the light" ...
And like Mousebaby said: Momma will lead the way!!

Once fledged, they will be very safe from the cats.

Wrens love to nest near people....and I am sure many here have delightful stories to tell of the odd places they have found nests.

I have found them in my cloths pin bag, ball cap, just for starters!!

Thanks. I might even cover the windows so they don't head for them. Nice place she picked as long as I don't need my portable work lights.

[morningbell]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Wifey put the dogfood container out on the deck yesterday while she was cleaning the kitchen. Around 10pm we hear a commotion out on the deck and there are two raccoons out there trying to get into the big tupperware-type container, which they successfully opened in under a minute. They were cute little buggers running over to our waterfall/fountain to wash their hands and dip their food... BUT, I opened the door and took some flash photos of them and they didn't seem bothered at all. I was even talking to them and they were not running away. They looked and acted normally, but I know there is a high incidence of rabies in raccoon populations. We brought the dogfood back inside, but I'm wondering if I need to be worried about my dogs and kids running around in the yard....