Raccoons in the Garden

We've suspected it for a long time. Sometimes we hear the quiet churring of their voices at night. Sometimes we hear rustling as they move around the garden. Yesterday afternoon we finally saw the whole family. First to show themselves were the mother and one pup.

Looking down from the deck, we all kept quiet, even the cat. He wasn't too bothered; didn't even puff up his tail. He's obviously familiar with them.

We all watched as they crossed the back lawn and went down the bank into the trees. Thought the drama was over. It wasn't. She returned with two more pups, and strolled back the way she had come, pausing while the little fellows tussled. She even let us see where she had them tucked away under the side porch.

It's an honour to be so trusted by creatures of the wild. But we'll keep it a nodding acquaintance, for their sake and the sake of the cat.