Who Goes There?

Day 82: Snow level dropped almost 1000' below the predicted altitude overnight, taking many area residents by surprise, if perhaps not the midnight prowler who has on more than one occasion been responsible for toppling a bird feeder. S/he's a big one, this raccoon, with a hind foot dimension of 4.5 x 2 inches. I've seen the critter shambling about under the big Doug-fir and would estimate its weight (conservatively) at 30 -35 pounds. Raccoons are fairly common in the area, and a good reason to keep small pets indoors if you weren't already doing so. The bird feeders are a big draw to be sure, as are my garbage and recycling bins, the latter smelling of rinsed cat food cans, but both are raccoon-proof. Frustrated, said raccoon has been known to push the garbage bin several feet away from the wall while trying to figure out a way to open it. Raccoon tracks are easy to identify. Their toes splay outward, leaving a print which resembles the five fingers of a human hand. Toenail imprints may also be seen in snow or soil. The hind foot leaves a "heel print," but most commonly, the front paws do not.