Raccoon Patrol

Where I left off:

"Okay, I went out and checked. They are such good hens and went back to their pen. There was so little light in the sky, but I could see they were standing instead of sitting as they usually do this time of night. They did not have their heads tucked for sleep! I looked where they were looking."

RACCOON!

As I pushed the door to, I saw it. The raccoon was holding onto the chain link on the side and top. One foot/hand was advancing onto their ladder as it held to the ladder in the pen. I think within 2 minutes, one of my hens, at least, would be dead. I screamed inside. Aloud, I was sputtering and gasping for breath, trying to calm myself and be brave and bold. The hens now were sounding the alarm very loudly.

I have a rock, about three pounds, that I use to keep the door from closing during the daytime. I just have to nudge it for closing the door or blocking the door open in the morning. Now, understand, I had the door within three inches of being closed for the night. My hens would have been trapped with a killer.

I flung the door open, snatched up the rock, the nearest missile, in both hands and with a mighty overhand throw tried to hit the raccoon which had climbed up the chain link. He had one front hand on the ladder, making his way to them. I hit the chain link about three feet off the ground. Dumb throw. I ran, AND I CANNOT RUN!, back to a pipe that had been put in the seat of my metal swing.

I was terrified. The hens were sounding an alarm and I felt like I was running at least sixty-feet both ways in slow motion. My head was pounding. I felt faint. My lungs felt seared. I was not able to get air in or cough.

Then, I RAN back and to the back of the pen where the raccoon still clung. I could not lift the pipe, so had to try harder. Then, I could not find a hole in the chain link...lol. I just kept slamming the pipe into chain link. He did start to leave. Finally, I got the pipe in and made contact as he moved away and out, not enough to hurt him. But, he ran back to the fence and over. it was a mighty and epic moment for the girls and I.

I could have done more damage if I had gone into the pen for better aim, but then I would have been between the raccoon and the door of the pen. I have no desire to make contact with an angry raccoon. It was not very large, not like the 25- and 30-lb raccoons I usually catch. Still, it could be rabid. I just do not like being hurt. Animal Control officer commented before that I catch the biggest coons he has ever seen.

Now, the trap and pipe are on the picnic table, and I am waiting for Tony to come and help me. I am really afraid of the raccoon. Remember that when the babies were in my house, the raccoon was trying to get into the open back door with me and three policemen in here.

Tony is not home. I drove around and looked. I am going to bed, secure in the fact the hens are safe. Okay, almost secure. Update and pictures tomorrow.  I am not going out in the dark because I don't want to fall over limbs or pinecones. Plus, it is cold and windy. So, keep your fingers crossed for safe hens.

Anyone want a raccoon to eat?