August 30, 2022: The Wrecking Crew
Since the raccoons came early tonight I made a half-hearted attempt to photograph them with a headlamp and my cameraphone. This mother has four kits and they come every night to the pond, usually after I have fallen asleep. Sometimes (including last night) they are so noisy I try to chase them off, but they have a good read on me and usually call my bluff and just stare at me, which is pretty humbling:)
Recently I was concerned to see that my goldfish--which are quite tame--come to the surface when the raccoons start splashing and swim toward and through their outstretched grasping paws. They appear to expect the raccoons to feed them, which is certainly getting the racoons' intentions backwards.
I should also note here that despite their considerable mischief this raccoon is a really tender mother. I watch her in the tree many afternoons and she carefully grooms her kits, plays with them, and acts patiently while they push, pile on and bite her in the course of their horseplay. Raccoons, backyard Olympia.
August 30, 2022: The Wrecking Crew
Since the raccoons came early tonight I made a half-hearted attempt to photograph them with a headlamp and my cameraphone. This mother has four kits and they come every night to the pond, usually after I have fallen asleep. Sometimes (including last night) they are so noisy I try to chase them off, but they have a good read on me and usually call my bluff and just stare at me, which is pretty humbling:)
Recently I was concerned to see that my goldfish--which are quite tame--come to the surface when the raccoons start splashing and swim toward and through their outstretched grasping paws. They appear to expect the raccoons to feed them, which is certainly getting the racoons' intentions backwards.
I should also note here that despite their considerable mischief this raccoon is a really tender mother. I watch her in the tree many afternoons and she carefully grooms her kits, plays with them, and acts patiently while they push, pile on and bite her in the course of their horseplay. Raccoons, backyard Olympia.