Slice of Exurbia: Raccoons

Life in exurbia is a shared experience. The man versus nature balance is constantly part of the dialogue. Many a new homeowner is excited by the sight of so many deer crossing their property until they later find out that Bambi is eating their new foundation plantings. They quickly become savvy about deer netting, deer spray and deer-resistant plantings.

Last night, as I stepped into my backyard the cacophony of sounds that I've become so used to reminded me of the first time we drove up to our new home after dark and shut off the car. As we opened the door into the pitch black night (no street lights), we we were greeted by sounds the likes of which we were unprepared for.

Listen below:

When we brought home our first golden retriever puppy, that night while out in the backyard we saw a coyote walking by in the woods just above our house. Yikes. Up went the fence to protect the pet and the kids. NIMBY Mr. Coyote!

In our neighborhood, there is much discussion about living with coyotes - a vigilant coyote sightings and mapping group keeps tabs on roaming coyotes. How many little dogs and cats gone missing are enough to stir an organized response? The New York Times just featured an article about the varied opinions on coexisting with coyotes vs. taking actions to remove them.

Coyotes create dangers and divisions in NY suburbs
New York Times, June 23, 2015

(Google topic for more information. Lots written on this.)

My pressing issue is a little more mundane than the safety of my children or pets. My critter caper has to do with resident raccoons and the battle over my garbage cans. Despite having critter proof lids that can be secured, my cagey foes work hard to rock the garbage cans and knock them over. They use all they've got and chew on the lids to get them off, prying open the lids just enough to work to get to their easy meal. Taking a cue from Chappaqua Moms Coyote Sightings Facebook page - I'm purchasing a game camera to look straight into the eyes of the culprits.