I think having something like raccoons around can remind you of how different a wild animal and a domestic animal can be. Years ago, when I lived on the left coast, a friend of mine came home to find his two large huskies huddled together by the back door, actually shaking. The problem was a small raccoon, a few feet away, calmly eating their Alpo. The animals know who is who.

My current senior citizen spaniel is very careful to give the rabbits in our yard the right of way. You can tell the rabbits who have been around for a while, they don't even look up when the dog comes out. The dog flat refuses to go out when there are raccoons around. That is often our first sign that the raccoons are active in the area.

"I'm trying to maintain a shred of dignity in this world." - Me

I think having something like raccoons around can remind you of how different a wild animal and a domestic animal can be. Years ago, when I lived on the left coast, a friend of mine came home to find his two large huskies huddled together by the back door, actually shaking. The problem was a small raccoon, a few feet away, calmly eating their Alpo. The animals know who is who.

My current senior citizen spaniel is very careful to give the rabbits in our yard the right of way. You can tell the rabbits who have been around for a while, they don't even look up when the dog comes out. The dog flat refuses to go out when there are raccoons around. That is often our first sign that the raccoons are active in the area.

:-O LOL Nasty little creatures, but cute they look!

Very timely post Angela, as the racoons have come out of hibernation here as well. I have to admit I don't have names for mine, but I do follow their activities through the neighbourhood. This provides me great insight into the minds of racoons, and into the garbage of a few of my neighbours.

Going back to a thread many moons ago, I have new "racoon proof" garbage cans here this spring, and so far they are working.

Very timely post Angela, as the racoons have come out of hibernation here as well. I have to admit I don't have names for mine, but I do follow their activities through the neighbourhood. This provides me great insight into the minds of racoons, and into the garbage of a few of my neighbours.

Going back to a thread many moons ago, I have new "racoon proof" garbage cans here this spring, and so far they are working.

Hello everybody. This is the first time I've posted on this thread, although I'm a lurker here.

I live along the Allegheny River, and we have many wild critters around here, raccoons, groundhogs, possums, the occassional black bear or deer etc. (I even thought I saw a mini-big foot one night lol). Getting to the point, I have two Akitas and they back down from no one, humans or animals. Over the years some of these wild creatures have ventured into my back yard only to meet their demise. Please, do not take it the wrong way, I do not 'sic' my dogs on them. Akitas are natural hunters. After the first year or so, the animals no longer came near my back yard. I think they spread the word. But most importantly, raccoons 'round here are the number one source of rabies. They are not welcomed by anyone. I do think they are adorable, but here in Western Pa., they are a nuisance.
To set Angela's mind at ease, neither of my dogs as ever harmed a raccoon. I believe that their intelligence keeps them away, perhaps by scent. Please, do not hate me or my dogs, for they are only acting on instinct.

Also, I would like to ask a question. It seems most everybody here has a cat, as do I. Does anyone have a cat who insists on sleeping on top of them. My cat will crawl up on my chest if I'm sleeping on my back, with her nose to mine. If I'm on my side, she will perch herself precariously on my side, on my arm, hip or wherever she can manage. Am I the only person with a cat who is so 'attached' and obviously suffers from separation anxiety?

Respectfully submitted,
K.C.

KLC53, I think the need to defend territory varies greatly from breed to breed of domestic animals. It also helps dogs to function as a pack, and that can include their humans. Hunting dogs can be trained to be very agressive, when they know their pack includes a human with a big stick.

I find it interesting that your dogs never actually harm the wild critters. It must be all bluff and show for them. Word gets around in the wild about them, just like word has gotten around about my geriatric spaniel. Even the ducks don't look too concerned when he is in the back yard with them.

it's hard to believe that such cute creatures aren't just as cute as our little kitties, cuddly and sweet. How do your cats actually react on them, by the way? And how are your kitties doing?

Raccoons are not at all like cats. Their looks are quite deceiving.

Our cats are both indoor kitties and they generally ignore the raccoons on the patio.

Our cats are both fine. W.C. is upstairs shredding papers in Eric's den and Stinky Lou sounds like she is chasing a wild pen across the kitchen floor. Those pens are tricky. Just when Stinky has one cornered, it somehow manages to get away!

Very timely post Angela, as the racoons have come out of hibernation here as well. I have to admit I don't have names for mine, but I do follow their activities through the neighbourhood. This provides me great insight into the minds of racoons, and into the garbage of a few of my neighbours.

Going back to a thread many moons ago, I have new "racoon proof" garbage cans here this spring, and so far they are working.

Hello everybody. This is the first time I've posted on this thread, although I'm a lurker here.

I live along the Allegheny River, and we have many wild critters around here, raccoons, groundhogs, possums, the occassional black bear or deer etc. (I even thought I saw a mini-big foot one night lol). Getting to the point, I have two Akitas and they back down from no one, humans or animals. Over the years some of these wild creatures have ventured into my back yard only to meet their demise. Please, do not take it the wrong way, I do not 'sic' my dogs on them. Akitas are natural hunters. After the first year or so, the animals no longer came near my back yard. I think they spread the word. But most importantly, raccoons 'round here are the number one source of rabies. They are not welcomed by anyone. I do think they are adorable, but here in Western Pa., they are a nuisance.
To set Angela's mind at ease, neither of my dogs as ever harmed a raccoon. I believe that their intelligence keeps them away, perhaps by scent. Please, do not hate me or my dogs, for they are only acting on instinct.

Also, I would like to ask a question. It seems most everybody here has a cat, as do I. Does anyone have a cat who insists on sleeping on top of them. My cat will crawl up on my chest if I'm sleeping on my back, with her nose to mine. If I'm on my side, she will perch herself precariously on my side, on my arm, hip or wherever she can manage. Am I the only person with a cat who is so 'attached' and obviously suffers from separation anxiety?

Respectfully submitted,
K.C.

. . . my Lady [Angelina - past context] and we were living in California [Los Angeles] had a cat named 'Flavors' [who has since passed on] used to do ALL those things while Angelina was sleepin'

another really sweet story - short version - Flavors was friends with many a wild animal - that had the opportunity - to grow up with her in LA - and then the little one's as well, grew up and those offspring became friends w/ her

the baby's - Possums, Raccoons, foxes, skunks, etc used to come into our living room [i left the front doors to the Studio open most of the time] and would watch the X-Files, Millenium, etc on the TV with Angelina & i [really cute little's] and they would actually follow the Season Series every week [they were always right on time as well] . . . this went on for over ten years

In other words - i have led a very rewarding life and enjoyed the little critters that loved Angelina & i and Flavors as well [she had a habit of laying extremely close and they would all cuddle up to her] . . .

But most importantly, raccoons 'round here are the number one source of rabies. They are not welcomed by anyone. I do think they are adorable, but here in Western Pa., they are a nuisance.

But most importantly, raccoons 'round here are the number one source of rabies. They are not welcomed by anyone. I do think they are adorable, but here in Western Pa., they are a nuisance.

Here in California raccoons are also carriers of rabies and other diseases that nobody wants. They are a nuisance here as well.

I freely admit that it is unwise to feed, "train" and play with these creatures. ("Train" is in quotes here because with raccoons, you are never quite sure who is the trainer and who is being trained! Eric is fairly convinced that my raccoons have trained me quite well.)

Basically, I do NOT recommend that anyone "try this at home." Eric and I have both gone through the pre-rabies vaccination series. Our tamest raccoons do come right up to our feet, but we have never actually tried to touch one or let one accept food directly from our hands. We try to avoid going between two raccoons and we never position ourselves between a mama raccoon and her babies. We scrub carefully after we clean out their water dish or our bird bath. "We" (and by "we" I mean Eric as I consider this to be a "boy job" - poor Eric!) are very careful about clean-up procedures if a raccoon should happen to poop in our yard. We would not go near any raccoon that was behaving strangely. (We have developed a rather good sense of normal raccoon behavior.) If my nieces and nephews come over and want to feed raccoons, I am very careful to supervise their behavior. If ever bitten by ANY animal, Eric and I would go straight to the ER for wound care and booster rabies vaccines. In short, we may be stupid - but we're not dumb.

There is a locally famous restaurant in Berkeley (Rivoli) that used to have nightly raccoon feedings in their backyard garden area, to the delight of most of their customers. The neighbors in the area objected strongly and the restaurant discontinued the feedings. If my neighbors raised a stink, I would probably cease and desist. Our neighbor on our right says "better your yard than mine" and our neighbor on our left travels often, grows nothing volitionally in her yard and seems to be unaware of my shenanigans. A couple of neighbor kids know our "secret" and their parents have never said anything negative to us. When a local Campfire girl, Ginger, came to our porch with her mother to peddle her mints, Eric and I invited them in to see raccoons. Ginger was delighted and her mother said "Oh wow, I didn't even know we had raccoons here." This was particularly ironic, as Ginger's family lives right by a creek and the creek area is where most of the raccoons actually have their dens!

Actually, I have always been under the impression that raccoons could be tamed in the traditional sense and kept as pets. Is this the case, or have I been laboring under a false assumption?

I know there are people who have tame skunks, raccoons, cougars etc in their homes. Seems like a REALLY bad idea to me.

Actually, I have always been under the impression that raccoons could be tamed in the traditional sense and kept as pets. Is this the case, or have I been laboring under a false assumption?

I know it has been done by others, but I would NEVER do it!

Raccoons are quite clever and they get into everything! A few years ago I put a huge jar of birdseed out on the porch. It was a restaurant size empty jar with a very wide neck and very thick glass. I thought it was raccoon safe. I was wrong. Somehow my critters managed to open the jar, spill out the contents and pick out for their personal consumption all of the corn pieces that comprised a small fraction of the seed mix. Raccoon hands are so tiny I have absolutely no idea how they did it. I wish I had caught them in the act. I'm sure their approach to the problem was impressive. It may have even involved cooperation.

My raccoons are also taking apart my concrete patio piece by piece. Basically the destruction started as little natural crack between the slabs. The raccoons have widened the crack for me quite a bit. Now it is a rather large hole. Raccoons, when bored, stick their hands into cracks and holes and pull stuff up. If they find something edible, well... they eat it. If there is nothing edible, they keep digging until something more interesting comes along.

I would NEVER want a bored raccoon in my house. Imagine the damage!!! I would also never want an angry raccoon in my house. Imagine the carnage!!! I know there are people who have tame skunks, raccoons, cougars etc in their homes. Seems like a REALLY bad idea to me.

Very timely post Angela, as the racoons have come out of hibernation here as well. I have to admit I don't have names for mine, but I do follow their activities through the neighbourhood. This provides me great insight into the minds of racoons, and into the garbage of a few of my neighbours.

Going back to a thread many moons ago, I have new "racoon proof" garbage cans here this spring, and so far they are working.

Hello everybody. This is the first time I've posted on this thread, although I'm a lurker here.

I live along the Allegheny River, and we have many wild critters around here, raccoons, groundhogs, possums, the occassional black bear or deer etc. (I even thought I saw a mini-big foot one night lol). Getting to the point, I have two Akitas and they back down from no one, humans or animals. Over the years some of these wild creatures have ventured into my back yard only to meet their demise. Please, do not take it the wrong way, I do not 'sic' my dogs on them. Akitas are natural hunters. After the first year or so, the animals no longer came near my back yard. I think they spread the word. But most importantly, raccoons 'round here are the number one source of rabies. They are not welcomed by anyone. I do think they are adorable, but here in Western Pa., they are a nuisance.
To set Angela's mind at ease, neither of my dogs as ever harmed a raccoon. I believe that their intelligence keeps them away, perhaps by scent. Please, do not hate me or my dogs, for they are only acting on instinct.

Also, I would like to ask a question. It seems most everybody here has a cat, as do I. Does anyone have a cat who insists on sleeping on top of them. My cat will crawl up on my chest if I'm sleeping on my back, with her nose to mine. If I'm on my side, she will perch herself precariously on my side, on my arm, hip or wherever she can manage. Am I the only person with a cat who is so 'attached' and obviously suffers from separation anxiety?

Respectfully submitted,
K.C.

. . . my Lady [Angelina - past context] and we were living in California [Los Angeles] had a cat named 'Flavors' [who has since passed on] used to do ALL those things while Angelina was sleepin'

another really sweet story - short version - Flavors was friends with many a wild animal - that had the opportunity - to grow up with her in LA - and then the little one's as well, grew up and those offspring became friends w/ her

the baby's - Possums, Raccoons, foxes, skunks, etc used to come into our living room [i left the front doors to the Studio open most of the time] and would watch the X-Files, Millenium, etc on the TV with Angelina & i [really cute little's] and they would actually follow the Season Series every week [they were always right on time as well] . . . this went on for over ten years

In other words - i have led a very rewarding life and enjoyed the little critters that loved Angelina & i and Flavors as well [she had a habit of laying extremely close and they would all cuddle up to her] . . .

Richard, that was a great story. :o)...one thing tho, YOU LET A STUNK IN YOUR HOUSE!!!!!

You seem to have tamed the other Dr. K. :p

Very timely post Angela, as the racoons have come out of hibernation here as well. I have to admit I don't have names for mine, but I do follow their activities through the neighbourhood. This provides me great insight into the minds of racoons, and into the garbage of a few of my neighbours.

Going back to a thread many moons ago, I have new "racoon proof" garbage cans here this spring, and so far they are working.

Hello everybody. This is the first time I've posted on this thread, although I'm a lurker here.

I live along the Allegheny River, and we have many wild critters around here, raccoons, groundhogs, possums, the occassional black bear or deer etc. (I even thought I saw a mini-big foot one night lol). Getting to the point, I have two Akitas and they back down from no one, humans or animals. Over the years some of these wild creatures have ventured into my back yard only to meet their demise. Please, do not take it the wrong way, I do not 'sic' my dogs on them. Akitas are natural hunters. After the first year or so, the animals no longer came near my back yard. I think they spread the word. But most importantly, raccoons 'round here are the number one source of rabies. They are not welcomed by anyone. I do think they are adorable, but here in Western Pa., they are a nuisance.
To set Angela's mind at ease, neither of my dogs as ever harmed a raccoon. I believe that their intelligence keeps them away, perhaps by scent. Please, do not hate me or my dogs, for they are only acting on instinct.

Also, I would like to ask a question. It seems most everybody here has a cat, as do I. Does anyone have a cat who insists on sleeping on top of them. My cat will crawl up on my chest if I'm sleeping on my back, with her nose to mine. If I'm on my side, she will perch herself precariously on my side, on my arm, hip or wherever she can manage. Am I the only person with a cat who is so 'attached' and obviously suffers from separation anxiety?

Respectfully submitted,
K.C.

. . . my Lady [Angelina - past context] and we were living in California [Los Angeles] had a cat named 'Flavors' [who has since passed on] used to do ALL those things while Angelina was sleepin'

another really sweet story - short version - Flavors was friends with many a wild animal - that had the opportunity - to grow up with her in LA - and then the little one's as well, grew up and those offspring became friends w/ her

the baby's - Possums, Raccoons, foxes, skunks, etc used to come into our living room [i left the front doors to the Studio open most of the time] and would watch the X-Files, Millenium, etc on the TV with Angelina & i [really cute little's] and they would actually follow the Season Series every week [they were always right on time as well] . . . this went on for over ten years

In other words - i have led a very rewarding life and enjoyed the little critters that loved Angelina & i and Flavors as well [she had a habit of laying extremely close and they would all cuddle up to her] . . .

Richard, that was a great story. :o)...one thing tho, YOU LET A STUNK IN YOUR HOUSE!!!!!