Raccoons Are Back

No pictures yet, but the raccoons are back.

Typically around November or so, the raccoons quit feeding at the bowl of food I put out for them. From what I’ve found on the web, that’s about the time the kits are old enough to go out on their on and establish dens and territory.

Birthing season is in late winter. What I surmise is that the mother raccoons stick close to the den with the newborn kits. Possibly the dens are far enough away that she can’t feed at the house until she feels they can be safely left alone or perhaps hunger finally drives her to the feed bowl.

In any event, they usually show up about this time of year.

Starting about 2 weeks ago I’ve 2 that come up to feed at different times. Just like last year. They both look a bit scrawny so that tells me 1 – their pregnancy is over and they’ve given birth and 2 – they’re in that difficult period of having to search for food plus protect and feed their young. This fits in the pattern for the past few years.

Eventually when the kits are old enough, she’ll (they) will bring their young to feed at the bowl as well. Probably in a couple of months.

Right now, a cup full of peanuts and dog food feeds both. One shows up around 8-ish – the other later in the night.

When they start bringing their young – it takes a full heaping bowl of food and nuts for all of them.

The key is to feed them somewhat randomly. Usually 3 or 4 times a week. I don’t put out food every night so as not to let them get dependent upon the food bowl. That would only hurt them in the long run. My goal is to help them out – but not replace their natural foraging for food.

Basketball


State beat Marist last night in a tough game. Marist refused to give up even when the game was essentially over.

Nuke drove up from Southport to go with me to watch the game at Local Joe’s Tap and Grill in Sanford.

Tuesday we play at West Virginia. WVa should have gone to the NCAA’s so their out to prove their worth by winning the NIT. It will be a tough, tough game for the WolfPack.

Having a good time watching the NCAA’s as well.

I really enjoy this time of year.