Beware of the raccoons

[nile455]

I've noticed more raccoons here in Orlando than ever before. I saw a couple in my neighborhood last week, and then tonight I was at the Peabody eating dinner and I counted SIX of them in the parking lot. They are cute, but can be aggresive. Unlike other wild animals, they will not be startled by nearby people. They've even been known to jump at you if you walk too close to them.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Raccoons are clever devils. When we camp, they always get to our trash, no matter WHAT we do with it.

Pretty sad when I'm outsmarted by a raccoon.

 

[Pugdog007]

They're just trying to collect food for their friends. Haven't you seen Over the Hedge?

 

[makinorlando]

They're just trying to collect food for their friends. Haven't you seen Over the Hedge?

You beat me too it (I saw the movie twice this weekend!)

 

[Cool-Beans]

They're just trying to collect food for their friends. Haven't you seen Over the Hedge?

No, I haven't. Is that in there, the way they get to the trash NO MATTER WHAT?!

One time we double bagged it, taped it up, and hung it from a tree. Found it EVERYWHERE the next morning.

I accidentally killed one with my car once, so I guess they're entitled to steal my food for their friends. I'll call it even.

 

[makinorlando]

No, I haven't. Is that in there, the way they get to the trash NO MATTER WHAT?!

One time we double bagged it, taped it up, and hung it from a tree. Found it EVERYWHERE the next morning.

I accidentally killed one with my car once, so I guess they're entitled to steal my food for their friends. I'll call it even.

It sure is... that's what the movie is about - a group of animals led by a racoon (Bruce Willis) trying to replace food he stole from a bear!

It is definitely worth the cost of admission!!!

You've got that bad racoon karma coming back at you! I've seen one since I moved here - it was walking across the cul de sac, and I thought - my that cat is walking oddly - oops it was "Rocky Racoon".

 

[Cool-Beans]

Anyone notice I got tagged for my comment there?!

That Tag Fairy is too smart for me, too! (Note to self: Always check for fairies before calling self dumb.)

 

[N.Bailey]

We were camping once too and my brother just bought a huge bucket of KFC. 8 of us sat around eating and this brazen raccoon wanted some too! He was coming almost right up to us to get some chicken! I freaked out and jumped on the picnic table while everyone else laughed at me. We put our trash up high on a pole and that raccoon climbed the pole while we sat at the table. We finally gave up trying and just chucked our chicken down into the wooded area so he wouldn't come so close.

Later that night (I'm not sure if it was the same raccoon), this raccoon tries to get into my bro's tent. I'm SO glad we had no food in ours LOL. The raccoon ripped my brothers brand new tent trying to get to the food. I'd have FREAKED out if tried to come in with us.

Aside from bats, I don't think there is any animal that spreads rabies more than the raccoons do, so be careful of them. I recently read that cats will sit and watch them and that raccoons will hiss at them spitting on them. While your cat may have updated rabies shots to prevent them from getting rabies, you need to be careful because your could pet your cat, then bring your hand to your face and become infected that way. If you've got an outdoor cat, just be sure to wash your hands after petting them.

BTW: WTG on that new tag!

 

[alliecats]

 

[Cool-Beans]

BTW: WTG on that new tag!

Thanks! I'm feeling all Pixie-Dustie now.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

We have a raccoon that comes to see us now and then. He's adorable and I look forward to his visits. His name is Jasper!

 

[Pugdog007]

raccoon with rabid squirrel

 

[minkydog]

Aside from bats, I don't think there is any animal that spreads rabies more than the raccoons do, so be careful of them.

You made a good point, so I'm going to post it again. Here in Georgia, about 50% of the raccoons carry rabies. Be sure you teach your children not to approach them--unlike the characters in "Over the Hedge", real raccoons can be very nasty and aggressive. Raccoon bites should always be examined by a doctor.

 

[Piglet4Ever]

My parents have some baby racoons that have been visiting for a few days, they sit outsided my folks second story window and chatter away with my mom, she doesn't feed them or anything, they just show up and sit there watching her, and probably the tv she has on in there too!! Well they have a pest control guy coming over tommorow, to help them find a new home. We'll see if he can catch them