Hi Lydia and All,

I am a new birder and have enjoyed the discussions on this list since
December. I haven't posted because I don't have much experience birding, but
I do know racoons and I just have to respond to this thread. I have observed
racoons nightly for the last five years. I do not find them any more
parasite-ridden than birds and I've never seen them exhibit either vengence
or wanton destruction. If they tear up a feeder, they are simply trying to
get into it for food. Their motives are the same as that of the birds you
welcome. If you don't welcome racoons, then change the feeder system. Pet
doors are a bad idea unless you welcome all other small animals.

Please, please do not trap and relocate racoons! Females have kits in the
den that require their mother's continuous attention. Racoons actively teach
their young until late Fall and sometimes until late winter. In most cases,
problems with racoons are really problems that we cause and that we can
easily fix without eradicating wildlife from our yards.

Thanks,
Jeanne Dammarell
Spokane, Washington