The thing that always scares me about racoons that won't run away is the
threat of rabies. I haven't lived in Washington long, so my fears may be
unfounded. But, in Texas, rabid racoons are fairly common, and whenever one
acted a bit too friendly, we immediately became suspicious. I hope your cat
is vaccinated for rabies. And be careful!

-----Original Message-----
From: lydia <lydia at wizards.net>
To: Tweeters!!! <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Date: Sunday, May 09, 1999 7:20 PM
Subject: Off Topic: Chasing Off Raccoons!


>Hi Tweeties!
>
>I know this isn't a "bird" situation, but a critter situation, and quite
>amusing in a twisted sort of way.....
>
>A friend of mine has a "raccoon problem". He shares a little furniture
>repair shop in Des Moines (WA) with a large house cat (14 lb spayed
>female). The cat has in and out access with a cat door. It looks as
>though "Tiger's" best friend is "Rocky Raccoon". Pete discovered Tiger
>and Rocky together in the shop this afternoon. The raccoon just looked
>at Pete and went on his business......of eating Tiger's food. Rocky had
>knocked things off the shelf and broke into a box with the cat's food in
>it. Tiger greeted Pete in her usual way as if nothing was amiss, as if
>the raccoon was a regular visitor when Pete's not around. Pete couldn't
>chase off the raccoon, his presence didn't spook the 'coon. Not until he
>threw water at the masked marauder did the 'coon decide to say it's
>goodbyes.
>
>The cat greets the 'coon with a hiss and the 'coon hisses back and then
>the two beasts go on about their business. Pete wants to discourage the
>'coon in as humane a way as possible. I suggested that Pete get a large
>squirt gun and fill it with vinegar or some other annoying, but non toxic
>substance and aim it at the critter the next time he discovers it in the
>shop.
>
>Anybody else have brighter ideas for discouraging stubborn old Rocky
>Raccoon?
>
>Lydia In Kent
>
>Lydia Gaebe In Kent, WA/lydia at wizards.net
>Support the Independent Musician!
>Pete Tomack's STEEL AND GLASS now available!
>www.wizards.net/tomackandeastwind
>"Moonlight Quiet" appearing on Oasis Sampler Vol. 10
>
>
>