Suburban Wildlife

Where we can watch and relate to wildlife in a suburban backyard.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010

The Old Timer.


Well, he looks like he has been through lots of wars! This is Bear. Missing teeth, torn off ears, and many scars - who knows what this fellow has seen, or how old he may actually be. His many scars may have been caused by many fights with other raccoons, dogs, or even a car. He ain't telling. He was however a regular at the retreat last summer. Bear was never agressive, but he was always very cautious. in reality he is probably just another gentle giant.

Raccoon Guys Hanging Out.


The male raccoons have no hand (or paw) in rearing the kits. In fact the mother raccoon will drive any away should they dare to come near the den. During this period the males will often travel together. This is a photograph of two such fellows that came by frequently last summer. Ths is Scar (on the left) and Bear. Scar has survived a very nasty infection on the side of his muzzle. It may have been from a cut, or perhaps an abcessed tooth. Though it must have been very painful he still managed to eat. Though it took over about six weeks, his recovery was full.

Raccoon have 'hands'.


They have the ability to use their paws very much like a 'hand' With a highly developed tactile sense they can feel around in near total darkness and find even small bits of food. Unlike a dog or cat, they will pick the food up in their 'hand' and bring it up to their mouth. In that manner they can keep their head up so they can see or hear any potential danger.

A local groundhog.



A very shy individual, and hard to photograph. He (or she) would generally pass by the retreat early in the morning.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A Winter Visitor


We are having a bit of a warm spell here, and sure enough that encouraged one big raccoon to come knocking at my door. I'm not sure who it is, it might have been Kimmie (big Momma). Anyhow I got a fuzzy photo of the event.Yes, I had a snack for her.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Sunday, January 17, 2010

And this is Kimmie with her brood


Kimmie showed up again this year. She had five big, healthy youngsters. Kimmie is much bigger than Chloe, my guess is she is at least thirty pouds in weight. Yet, she is a very passive animal, not as outgoing as Chloe, but friendly.

There are birds too


Two other regulars to the garden.