BS: Raccoon In the Cellar

Subject: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 05:56 PM

It's wonderful living in the middle of the woods. We're never lonely. (See Thanksgiving thread.)

However, we've got a raccoon in the cellar. The Hav-A-Heart ain't workin' -- he's tripped it and gotten the bait (jelly donut, aged tuna salad) twice now. When Tom opened the cellar door, he was on the middle stair considering asking to be let in. (Tom wisely barred the door.)

And just a few minutes ago, I heard him (the raccoon, not Tom) smashing things in the cellar.

Anybody got any bright ideas?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 05:59 PM

Ask Clinton Hammond. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 06:00 PM

Trail of food up the stairs and OUT the door? Then fix the hole where he got in????

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 06:12 PM

No way in hell is he getting into the HOUSE!!!

Thought the hole he got in WAS fixed -- til Tom spotted him curled up on a shelf yesterday.

The problem is he WANTS to be inside -- winter is coming.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: open mike
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 06:13 PM

adjust the trip wire on the have-a-heart...
so it latches securely..
then figure out how to transport a caged
coon -- could be a tricky business..

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 06:16 PM

Get a bear for the attic?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 06:20 PM

Catch a possum and put it in the cellar. Raccoons and possums don't get along and a possum will kick a coon's butt every time. Then all you'll have to do is figure out how to get the possum out of the cellar.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: bobad
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:01 PM

If the trap doesn't work you are left with 2 options; call in the professionals or shoot.

I don't know where you are but racoon rabies is endemic in many regions so caution is advised.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:04 PM

And I thought all I was going to have to contend with was the bat in the Guest Room and the squirrel in the window. Any reason not to just leave him alone. Baby raccoons are cute.
SINS, whose Tetanus shot is up to date.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: kendall
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:16 PM

Strew a box of moth balls around down there.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: maeve
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:24 PM

Raccoons carry other diseases besides rabies. One common parasite (that will affect humans in a serious way) found on raccoons has tiny eggs that must be burned to be killed- the usual disinfectants won't do it. Do, please, use caution! It may be necessary to kill it. In many states and towns it's illegal to transport 'em to another site. You do not want to corner him!

If an exit hole has been reopened for him, you might just hustle him out by chucking a large quantity of moth balls downstairs. It sometimes is nasty enough to send them packing (skunks, too!) though it may take a few hours for the fumes to build up.

Good luck!

maeve, who has had raccoons try to move into her attic...and barn.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:28 PM

Give 'im the gun...

Awww, jus funnin'... Hey, it's Thanksgivin', for gosh sakes, so invite him up, set him a place at the table an' be glad it ain't no serial killer livin' in yer basement...

No???

Okay, do you have a basement window that opens??? If not, go unfix the hole that you fixed and he'll gladly be on his way...

If not, give 'im the gun...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:37 PM

Bait, with seditives in it. Remove unconcious racoon.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 07:44 PM

Ahhhhh, I hate to rain on anyone's parade but in most states it is illegal to trap and relocate a wild animal without being a certified "animal rehibilitator"... Yeah, some dumbass laws but they are in most states...

Oh yeah, it perfectly okay to trap Rocky Rahonney an' blow Rocky's brains out with a 12 guage shotgun but, Lord help ya, if the local game warden catches you takin' Rocky off to a new home in some rwal nice woods where Rocky would rather be anyway...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 08:26 PM

Put peanut butter or something sticky that won't tip off for bait, if you try again. The problem with actually catching the bugger is that you have to let him go again, and he's probably not going to be very happy. If anybody gets bitten and he gets away, you're going to need to have the shots.

My best advice: CALL (county) ANIMAL CONTROL! Raccoons are a species of concern when it comes to rabies - not sure if they're currently #1 or #2. Animal control will likely try to trap him too - but they've had more experience.

You need to find out how he got in, because even if you get rid of one raccoon, you'll eventually have to evict all sorts of critters.

As for mothballs - Kendall, I tried that on the squirrel that was in my attic. I think I de-flead him, and he just moved the balls. Instead of the usual running-around and gnawing noises, I had to listen to him playing marbles up there.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Scoville
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 08:41 PM

I'd call in professionals. Raccoons can be mean SOB's when they're cornered, and they're often bigger than they appear to be. We've been lucky and haven't had any in our attic lately--knock on wood--but I wouldn't take one on at close range for anything.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 09:42 PM

A trail of cracked corn out a window, hole, or door would entice him out. But, I agree with Jeri...call Animal Control. We had a momma take up residence in the rafters of our garage in CT; she found the corn for the ducks. Later on, after her babies were grown, she found one of the ducks, too, even though we penned them at night where she couldn't get them. We were not happy campers. She finally left, but it was a better weather time of year which helped and, at that time, rabies wasn't so prevalent among them.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 12:56 AM

If your Havahart trap isn't getting him/her it may be because the trap needs some adjustment, or it may just be that it's the wrong size. They come in three common sizes in my area, and it takes some experience to guess which will work best for a given animal. It is NOT necessarily sufficent that the animal "can fit" into the one.

If this 'coon has been trapped before, it's quite possible it's figured out how to open the trap, and another method may be necessary - or a different style of trap.

An animal control agent, or someone who fancies himself (with credible justification) a great "critter rassler" would probably attempt a "noose stick" to just get a rope around his neck and drag him into a sack. I do not recommend that you try this yourself since there's considerable "technique" involved that isn't all that easy to learn in a one-shot givitatry attempt, and considerable strength may be needed once (if) he's "noosed. 'Coons can be quite dangerous in close quarters, especially when cornered or snared.

If you don't have an official animal control agent handy, ask at the local hardware or other "gathering place" (or at a gun shop if there is one) if they can suggest someone with "experience." (And get a credible story about the nature of the experience if you don't know the one(s) suggested.)

Your 'coon is unlikely to do any major damage if left alone while you look for a solution, unless you have food stored where he might try to get into it. If he's knocking things over he's probably chasing the rats.

If it absolutely comes down to destroying the animal, you don't need a 12 gage. A .22 short would be about the minimum appropriate, at short range, and most .22 rifles (and any .22 revolver) can use "shorts.' (Rifles may require loading single-shot for the shorts.) Someone in your neck-o-the-woods will have one.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: open mike
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 01:43 AM

for rabies , bats and skunks usually top the list

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 02:58 AM

Considering that winter is acoming in - shoot the cute little bugger at sight, it'll make a warm furry cap.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 03:24 AM

Any animal that eats other animals is potentially a hazard for rabies. 'Coons are carnivorous, and are "opportunists" when it comes to eating carrion. 'Coons and 'possums are particularly prone to carry epizootic diseases, transmissible to humans, because they frequent and eat from "human waste dumps" where they can pick up such stuff. Trichinosis is not unknown in both, and there have been reports of tularemia although I don't know that that's been confirmed in 'coons. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites are also common in almost all fur-bearing animals, some of which can leave vermin behind even if you get rid of the "bearer."

My own experience is that if the critter has decided his "home" is in the basement he's unlikely to follow a trail of food out. It can be tried, but I wouldn't hold much hope for it. If it works, someone has to be present to slam the door pretty quickly to keep the critter from just strolling back in.

Recommendations about "sticky foods" for bait indicate a shallow understanding of the Havahart traps. The bait is placed inside, so that the critter has to get far enough in for the door to slam shut, so sticky isn't really the solution. 'Coons have been known to reach through the trap mesh and move the bait to where they can get it without entering the trap (usually if they've been trapped before) so tying it down inside of the trap may help.

You might just try making his chosen place "less comfortable." He probably chose the basement because it appeared to be "remote," so loud music, moving stuff around, banging and clanging might influence him to find someplace quieter; but it's likely to take a while and more likely to drive the family bezonkers than to be successful. You might just find that he likes Rock & Roll. 'Coons can be remarkably tolerant of close "human presence" and traffic if they feel hidden enough.

An old Red Ryder style BB gun (spring type - not the pump up or CO₂ pellet kind) would be unlikely to hurt him badly enough to hinder his survival, particularly through the thicker fur; so "pestering him" by taking frequent pot shots might persuade him to move out - or might just make him mad. Not really a method to be recommended.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 08:38 AM

Chart from the CDC - 1955-2001. Skunks may have overtaken raccoons in the 5 years since they compiled the statistics, but bats aren't even close.


(I'm personally not too sure of these figures - where they got them or how they calculated them.)
Raccoon bite - 44% of USA rabies cases
Skunk bite - 28.5% of USA rabies cases
Bat bite - 12.5% of USA rabies cases
Fox bite - 5.5% of USA rabies cases

From http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com

Batty's basement buddy probably isn't rabid, but since the disease is fatal and the shots are a real inconvenience, best to be careful.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 08:43 AM

And having had squirrels in my attic and chipmunks in my basement, getting them out isn't that big of a problem, since they go out foraging on their own. Keeping the buggers from getting back in IS the major concern.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 09:11 AM

Catch pole.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 09:26 AM

Raccoons also love grapes, and a trail of grapes might lure him outside. Our raccoon was also fond of fried chicken and hard candy but that may have been an aquired taste.

Wonder how he got back in?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 09:30 AM

And when he's eaten all he wants, he can come back inside to sleep it off...

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 09:36 AM

Call the professionals, whether it's the County Animal Control or someone else. They can capture it and get it out.

Unless...well, 'coons ARE edible...and it would give a new flavor to your Thanksgiving table...one that is actually traditional in some areas....

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 10:15 AM

Rapaire -

What's the difference between a Yankee Zoo and a Redneck Zoo?



The Yankee Zoo has a little sign in front of each cage that tells you what animal is in the cage.



The Redneck Zoo has a little sign in front of each cage that tells you what animal is in the cage, and a recipe.


?????

John

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 10:28 AM

Reminds me of the story my Dad used to tell about a bar up in north central Wisconsin that would put out free sandwiches at lunch time.

One guy was there hoisting a few lunchtime brews and eating the sandwiches and raving about how good they were, what were they anyway...

So the bartender told him -- "Raccoon."

Poor fellow stumbled out into the street and lost his lunch.

Me? I have an adventurous palate and try everything I have an opportunity to taste. I think I've had raccoon sometime in the mists of pre-history. I remember it being a rather sweet tasting meat. Personally, I prefer to eat Bambi.

Animal control officer gets a call after the holiday today. Then after the raccoon is outa there, plywood covers the potential entrance.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 10:50 AM

A perhaps clearer indication of the US "rabies problem" is at:

CDC: All US cases of rabies 2004

This chart shows all cases found in all kinds of animals or in humans, for the year 2004. There were 6,844 cases shown.

And:

CDC: Human cases of rabies 2004

Only 8 cases of humans infected with rabies occured in the US in 2004.

Only 47 cases of humans infected with rabies occured in the US during the period 1990 through 2004. (Including one in Puerto Rico.)

Ten of the 47 cases, 1990 through 2004, were for people infected outside the US, leaving 37 persons infected from "domestic sources." Of these 37, four of the cases resulted from organ transplants from an infected donor.

Although 97% of cases were identified as being "bat rabies virus" only 3 cases were traceable to "bite by bat." In other bat virus cases, the bat virus apparently was passed to another animal that passed it on to the infected human.

In most cases no "incident causing the infection" was determined. The only cases with a known "bite" were about equally divided between bats and dogs, and none of the "bites" occured in the US.

But only one infected person survived.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Becca72
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 11:34 AM

Ever seen a raccoon trying to eat a peppermint candy? Ask my dad about that one.

Honestly, though you should call in a professional who will trap him alive and relocate him. He's not doing anything other than trying to stay warm. Poor little guy doesn't understand you don't want him in the basement.

Reminds me of my first apartment. 3rd floor walk-up with a family of raccoons living in the tree outside the bedroom window. I used to hang out the window with bread stuck on the end of a wire hanger and feed them. Adorable little things.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 05:14 PM

This spring my co-worker and I rescued two (had been three) very young orphaned raccoons. Had "Babes In the Wood" going through my head all day! When we packaged them up to take them to the wildlife rehabilitator who had the raccoon formula, they were huddled together with their paws around each other.

Geez, it's a wolf eat moose world out there and animal babies are orphaned all the time and die in the woods alone, but we couldn't just let them starve or die or dehydration. (They were too young to drink the water we left for them while trying to find a rehabilitator who would take them.)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 08:02 PM

Yeah, and by feeding wild animals (and they are wild) you make them dependent upon people. Taking them to a rehab place in one thing, but feeding them people food is wrong on several levels.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources has told people that if they feed deer they face fines up to US$1,000. Seems that Chronic Wasting Disease prions are are spread by deer swappin' saliva at mineral licks and other food sources....

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Helen
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 08:56 PM

I found a possum a couple of Saturdays ago, in my fireplace which I had put a board in front of, and when I moved the board to see what was making scratching noises he just came out into the room and had a look around, and then settled in a corner. It was cartoon central, trying to get the critter back outside. He was quite comfy, sussing the place out, i.e. my bedroom, for a nice spring nest away from the weird and wacky weather we have been getting lately.

It was a comedy in itself just trying to locate one of the volunteer animal rescue people by phone to come and help, and after a few tries I finally got to talk to a woman who was sick and couldn't come and help. She told me to leave the window open - locked windows, don't know where the keys are, don't know whether I ever got keys for those locks when I moved in, finally remembered that there were two separate keys for the two windows, and opened one of them - at about 1am, hoping he would go out the window as the rescue lady said he would. 2am: no go.

Fell asleep waiting for him to take the hint. Woke up to a sound around dawn, hoping he had flown the coop, so to speak, but no, managed to worm his way back into the fireplace which I thought I had boarded up again.

No help from hubby, at least not until the next day when I told him I had managed to get the critter outside, let him loose near a tree and he just ambled back to the front door - which unfortunately I hadn't shut because I was too busy trying to juggle a possum on a big board with a cardboard box over it to be able to manage to shut the door - and he went straight back inside. Into a different room, and then into an even worse room which is the storage room with all sorts of stuff all over it, in boxes etc.

Luckily he was backed into a corner so we managed to get him into a sack and phoned the animal control lady again, who came and took him away. She released him back here after a couple of days, giving us time to put wire mesh over the top of the chimney. I haven't seen him or heard him so I don't know if he went off somewhere else to find a safe nesting spot.

The possum lady said that they need a nest out of the weather and nesting boxes in the trees are a good idea. Someone at work lent me a book with designs for nest boxes for different critters. We haven't made one yet, but I think it's on the To Do List for next spring.

It makes for a funny story but I wasn't laughing at the time, mostly from serious lack of sleep, after a very long week without much sleep anyway due to recently changing to a job on late shift (4pm till 11.30pm, home at midnight).

The animal rescue people are the ones trained to help. Hubby suggested calling them.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Bert
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 10:41 PM

Raccoon In the Cellar - sounds like a hoedown tune, kinda like possum up a gumstump.

Good job it wasn't our cellar, of Rachael would have kept him as a pet.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 12:24 AM

If you can scare the possum into playing dead, then all you have to do is pick it up by the tail and carry it out. That's what I do when possums get into the yard. My dogs have caught several, but only one has died so far. Mostly I'm able to rescue the "dead" critter and take it outside the fence and leave it there.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 09:30 AM

I had this problem in my attic once. I bought a cheap motion detector, it made a loud noise and a bright light came on when anything moved..the racoon was gone within days. It may work for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 12:06 PM

Good idea--and you can find all sorts of gadgets with motion detectors these days.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:45 PM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:53 PM

yeah, Charley, I raised one too. You never want to get attached, because when they come into season, they will leave. You might see them again, but probably won't. That is why it is very important to let wildlife rehabilitators raise them. Raising them makes a good story, but if you don't teach them to survive, they are in trouble WHEN (not if) they leave. One must always remember that no matter how cute and cuddly they are, they are a wild animal.

I have eaten coon, and find your description pretty well spot on. The glands must be cleaned out to help with the gamey taste. There is a slight resemblance to the taste and texture of pork.

I would strongly advise against trying to capture them yourself. Cornered, they are vicious and very dangerous. They are deceptively fast, and when threatened, very aggressive. If you insist on trying to use a catch stick and noose, I would suggest you protect yourself as you would with snakes. Use newspaper or leather gauntlets on legs and arms and thick leather gloves. But unless you have training, I would leave them to the pro's.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: JenEllen
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 04:50 PM

Where is Homeless?

After reading the thread title, he immediately sprang to mind. I remember several of what we fondly like to call the 'nekkid' stories.

One in particular had his missus and I in tears and contained the line: "So there I was, not a stitch on, with a rat trapped in a pickle jar..." I'll bet he's probably had a raccoon somewhere, and you could probably duplicate it (clothing optional) to some effect.

I like the idea of the motion detectors. Whatever you do, don't make him one of your margaritas or else you'll have him for life.

~JE

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 09:02 PM

He was scratching vigorously at the basement door demanding his share of the Thanskgiving feats. Linn wouldn't let me open the door.
I was almsot late for dinner because Freddie came home with a dead squirrel and was insistant on keeping it indoors. Maybe I should lend him to Tom and Linn.
Dinner was delicious. The company was wonderful. Happy Thanksgiving all.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Rowan
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 12:07 AM

Helen,
I'm not sure whether American possums have the same preferences as Australian ones but a quick and cheap temporary drey (nestbox) can be made with a pair of plant hangers, of the sort that have a wire-frame bowl lined with a coconut-fibre lining. The ones that are about 60cm (2 ft) across are the go.   Join them 'face-to-face' and make a hole in the frame and lining, at the perimeter, large enough for the animal. Fix the drey in a tree and any Australian possums within cooee will be colonising it within a couple of days.

I can't say about American possums but Australian ones (brushtailed ones) have quite large territories and would need to be removed more than 5km before they could be released into territory they hadn't already 'mapped', allowing them to run back in a couple of hours. Most suitable habitat is already full of possums to its carrying capacity so releasing them 'out of territory' is most likely going to result in a death that you don't witness. Installing a nestbox outside your house removes the immediate problem without killing the animal and is effective so long as you've got all the entrances to your house blocked to prevent recolonisation.

And, given all the stories in the postings above about deadliness, I reckon Americans who describe our wildlife as dangerous have a bit of cheek.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 06:51 PM

There was a path worn across my back yard from a possum that used to travel that route every day (or night). He finally met his end at the bottom of my driveway, poor old guy. He was quite large.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 09:47 PM

Coon isn't bad eating, but possum...ugh! Only if you're really, really, hungry. Try stuffing the coon with apples and onions (remove the glands, of course!) and throw away the stuffing if it's too gamey for you. Soaking the meat all day in whole milk might help (it does with venison) but I haven't tried it.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 03:22 AM

We have a fairly high 'possum population in the neighborhood. I'm sure most of my neighbors don't know they're there, but I keep odd hours and see them fairly frequently.

I don't object to them as long as they "behave" normally, but have removed two or three when they became aggressive with the pets. It's sometimes difficult to tell "who started it," but a 'possum that is prepared to fight instead of run is a potential hazard, and loses the toss on which of the two - 'possum or pet - is most expendable.

I'll take note of Stilly's suggestion that they can be safely picked up by the tail when they "play dead." Wildlife authorities in my area recommend strongly that you not attempt this, although the popular advice that it's safe is widespread.

A 'possum may fake the "dead" state as a first response to a threat, and if one does, it can "come to life" unexpectedly and dangerously. While a true "comatose" condition is reported, I have NEVER seen it occur in any 'possum I've encountered here, and I've seen a couple of big dogs pretty badly slashed up by 'possums. Given that they stand and fight against determined dog attackers, I doubt that "puny humans" are likely to induce the true "comatose" 'possum state by saying "boo."

Maybe our 'possums just get enough blood pressure meds from peoples' trash to control that symptom ... . Here at least, I don't recommend touching one no matter how dead it looks. A shovel often is the most convenient tool if you must move one of them before "dead" has been observed for at least a couple of hours, and even with a shovel I wear heavy horsehide gloves. (And rinse the gloves with Chlorox after.)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:32 AM

Well... I'm amazed, I live in Wales, UK. And all I have to contend with are foxes in the garden, badgers in me garage, hedgehogs on the doorstep, slowworms on the patio, and frogs... of almost biblical proportions in the garden. The occasional Squirrel on the roof, and wol our friendly owl twoot twooing on the post...

But a Raccoon in the cellar has got my imagination going, it does sound like a good old name for a mad raving tune or two.

I have this image of a the raccoon, chilled out, enjoying a corunucopia of enticements, laughing in the face of adversity, relaxing and having a bit of Cellar R and R.

The image is even better, when you imagine it listening to endless tracks of Boney M, Roger Whittaker, and Des O'Connor, with a bit of Ungle burt humplerdicker thrown in for good measure... Raccoon white noise...

Then surrounded by mothballs, covered in sticky bait curled up on the shelf with one eye on Bat Goddess, and with a satisfied Sticky faced, peanut butter slather mouth a snicker at the household and back to a sedated, but only slight, snooze..

Sounds to me like the best option is to get the professionals in... as long as they don't kill the critter.

All the best!

EWIS ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Rowan
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:06 PM

JiK's possums are different critters from ours; I've never seen an Australian possum play dead. But the diurnal fights between them and the feral cats over the garbage outside University House at melbourne Uni put paid to any notions that marsupials couldn't compete with eutherians and be successful. I only ever pick one up if I'm trying to either rescue an injured one (road injuries) or extricate one from a neighbour's house, and then I wear leather welding gauntlets and carry a decent gunny sack.

Although many complain occasionally about piss stains in the plaster, the main problems with our possums seem to be the lead boots they wear when wandering over the roof or in the ceiling. They even wear them when making love! And they seem to be able to do it all night!

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Helen
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:25 PM

Thanks for the idea for the possum nest, Rowan.

I'll give that a try because it's going to happen quicker than the custom built wooden one. And you're right about their lead boots. Like horseshoes.

When the possum lady came to pick him up she asked if he had hissed at me or tried to attack me or bite me. He didn't. I got up close to him either with pieces of apple, or to put a box over him to take him outside and he just looked at me. He did growl a bit at one stage but I think it was because the light was on and it was the middle of the night. The possum lady said she thought he may have been used to people.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:12 PM

I was thinking this old song collected by Frank Warner might be of use here. Some versions substitute "woodchuck" for "raccoon":

FOD

1. As I went down to the mowin' field,
Hu-rye, tu-rye, fod-a-link-a-dye-do,
As I went down to the mowin' field, Fod!
Well, as I went down to the mowin' field,
A big black snake bit me by the heel,
Tu-rolly-day!


2. I fell down upon the ground, (3 times)
I closed my eyes and I looked all around...

3. I climbed on a stump to take my rest, (3)
Looked like a woodchuck a-sitting on a nest...

4. I set down to sing this song (3)
'Long came a raccoon with his britches on...

5. The raccoon grinned a banjo song (3)
'Long came a skunk with his derby on...

6. Well, the raccoon and skunk got into a fight, (3)
They fumed so high they put out the light...

So, Linn, what's the rest of the story?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 09:42 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: EBarnacle
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 12:59 PM

I know an old lady who swallowed a fly...
Be careful what you get into. By the way, pellets and bullets tend to travel until something stops them. If there is enough energy, they will ricochet off walls and other objects and take off in unexpected directions. Don't resort to weapons unless you like your doctor a lot.

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 01:50 PM

So, is it still there???? Inquiring minds want to know!

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 07:47 PM

Here goes the second attempt to post this. The last try was at 4:45 this afternoon, and all of you know what happened then. Anyway...

The racoon has exited the building.

After he decided to invite himself to Thanksgiving dinner, at about 9:00, I contacted a friend at the county extension who put me in touch with the state animal control folks. They, in turn, advised me of a local trapper, who turns out to be living just down the road a piece..

On Tuesday morning he came by and after a survey of the cellar, determined that the racoon was out. He advised me of how to better set the trap and a way to discern whether or not the racoon had returned to visit.

This morning, having determined that the cellar was critter free, I screwed a piece of plywood over the favored, and only, entrance, thus reclaiming the cellar for ourselves.

The fee for this consultation was $85.00, but would cover a return visit to retrieve the animal if necessary. While he was here, he was able to locate the place where the flying squirrels are coming and going, and allowed that when the new roof was being attached (in the next couple weeks) that the hammering would scatter the lot and the roof crew could then nail up the loose board. All in all, a happy ending.

Thanks to everyone for your support, suggestions, dire warnings and levity in this matter, and for the same in the future -- Tom & Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 10:35 PM

And then the raccoon came back,
We thought he was a goner;
The raccoon came back,
The very next day!
The raccoon came back,
He couldn't stay no longer;
The raccoon came back (with a Sawzall)
On the very next day!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: NH Dave
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 10:13 AM

I'd sincerely advise against SRS's thoughts about picking up a 'possum that has sulled - played dead, as it can suddenly decide that it doesn't want to be dead any more, and come out biting and scratching. 'Possum teeth are long and sharp, and since the animal is really particular about what it eats - anything dead - bites must be treated for infection by medical folks, and rabies shots started immediately, if you didn't secure the 'possum that bit you.

I had three young men working for me some time ago who got involved with a 'possum. The one was from 'possum country and automatically an expert on the breed. He decided to pick the beast up, and the beast decided to bite down on his thumb, the canine teeth meeting in the middle, so he, understandably dropped the 'possum. Cooler heads prevailed, if there were any cool heads in the car at that hour of the morning, and shortly afterwards, three rather drunk young men showed up at an all might pharmacy asking the pharmacist what he had that was good for 'possum bite.

When they came in to work the next morning, I asked if they had kept the animal, or arraigned for rabies shots, two ideas that had not occurred to them. The clinic decided that since they had not retained the animal for testing, the injured man would need to take the rabies shots, and as this was some time ago, it was the 28 shot series, administered into the abdominal cavity - something to do with proper absorption back then.

Don't play around with wild animals!

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Raccoon In the Cellar
From: Rowan
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 05:07 PM

So far, rabies hasn't got to Australia, so our possums are clear. But some of our bats have Lyssa virus, regarded as similar, which makes bat rescue (more frequently required than you might think) a procedure for the well prepared.

Cheers, Rowan