We found the raccoons we used to shoot and eat rather tasty, a little greasy and gamey for some palates but definitely a dish of interest if one didn't have access to rib-eye steak. There was one year when there were so many raccoons ravaging our garden that we shot over a dozen and Mother began making raccoon liver paté and serving it to our-of-town guests. I don't recall if she made full disclosure before or after they had consumed this treat.

After our dog brought a young one home for show and tell and we subsequently raised it to an adult, we found it much harder to defend the garden. They are very intelligent and engaging little beasts, and, yes, the wild ones are quite able to defend themselves against much larger animals. I believe they are only agressive if they are extremely hungry or rabid.

Charley Noble