Pet of the Week

Jubilant and amazing raccoon family and skunks, possums, and birds visit us daily. Everybody we know has spoken poorly of raccoons for the last 20-25 years. Even our cat turned up one day. A few weeks later, she had five of the cutest kittens. We kept one, and three friends took the others.

Normally, we buy twelve bags of cat kibbles, which last about a month to six weeks, depending on how many visits each night. We sit outside with them in the summertime and have never been bitten or scratched. They take it very gently.

The raccoons love peanut butter cookies, and we keep a good stock of them. Years ago, we had this vast window put in to enjoy our outdoor family. We also built an 8-foot high block wall to level our backyard, then an 8-foot high lattice wall with a 6×2 walkway, which the squirrels and raccoons use. And the birds love our thick hedge. It’s surprising how many people look upon the raccoons as wild animals and talk about shooting them.

These nightly visits have cultivated a unique ecosystem in our backyard and fostered an unexpected bond between humans and wildlife. Over time, the variety and frequency of these visits have increased, indicating mutual trust and understanding developed over countless shared moments. This unique interaction enriches our lives and supports the local wildlife.

Observing these animals up close fosters a greater appreciation and respect for nature and its myriad creatures. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban living and wildlife conservation, urging us to consider the impact of our actions on our non-human neighbors. And ongoing commitment to coexistence and care has turned our backyard into a haven. We love it when raccoons, skunks, possums, and birds visit us daily.