[Jen]

This is way off topic but I was hoping someone could give me some advice on getting rid of raccoons in an urban area. I just saw 2 small ones out in my backyard. I tried scaring them off with some clapping and shouting but they just looked at me as if to say, so what? They are cute little guys to be sure but I don't need them in my backyard particularly with my little guy playing out there. I don't have any food or water supplies lying around in the backyard, I'm hoping they are not nesting in the shed. I'm going to look tomorrow. Don't worry I'll be careful. Any thoughts?

[PainterWoman]

Maybe off topic, but interesting!

Do you have animal control people who will come and trap the critters? It is important to make sure they cannot get into your attic or basement. They are REALLY hard to get rid of when they get inside your house. (I had a friend whose DH tried to shoot the raccon WHILE IT WAS IN THE CHIMNEY. He missed, but ruined the fireplace.)

They might avoid areas that you sprinkle with fox urine... you can get that in really big hardward stores... probably on line, too.
Good luck.

[bella23]

You don't want them in your back yard either. I was attacked by 4 racoons when I was younger and it was horrible. They may look cute, but you get to close and they are very mean animals!

If you can't shoot them, you can get traps at any hardware store and set them. If you catch them, you can just call animal control. Good luck and my best advice is to stay away from them and keep kids away from them. If you have any trash, animal food, or anything else like that, I would get them out of there. They are more likley to return if there is food for them.

Good luck,
Bella23

[Jen]

Thanks for the replies. I have not seen them back since that night. I checked in the shed and under the porch for them during the day and they aren't staying here anyway. The only thing that they could get food out of is my compost bin which I actually haven't put anything in for ages. I looked in there and it doesn't look like has been disturbed anyway. I'm hoping it was a one time visit!