Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

We just got into bed and about to goto sleep when we heard noise down stairs. We are renting so both initially thought it was the house, but it didn't stop. The wife told me to get my glasses on, grab the gun and go see whats going on. I announced my self and my intentions but the noise didn't stop at all. I thought, the person is either a moron or it wasn't a person.

Luckily for us it was a raccoon. He got out of the fire place and started walking to me and I yelled to keep him in the room. At this point with all the yelling my wife is upstairs freaking out. She came out and asked if everything was ok and I told her it was a raccoon. She called 911 which passed things onto animal control.

After about 20 minutes he settled down on our dogs bench and pretty much laid there for another 45 minutes animal control showed up and took him out side. I told them to release him into the woods in our backyard. I know some would have shot it or taken some where else but I am sure he was just looking for a warm place with food.

Needless to say I emailed the management company that takes care of the house about it. I am waiting to hear back from them about what they are going to do but I am not holding my breath. The chimney is not capped as it should be, especially in a place with all kinds of critters.

Anyway here are the pics.

Cute! But would not want him in my house. Glad no one got hurt. He probably was just looking for a warm place to stay for the night. You guys gave him the "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!"

At least the critter doesn;t appear to be rabid... although I would still give him wide berth ,,.them boys can bite really good... We had one when I was a kid and every once in a while he'd get PO'd at someone and get himself a little flesh..

I have seen him creeping around before looking for stuff to get into.

The wife found out that racoon dander is similar to cat dander. She went to get some work stuff from her desk and then rubber her eye. It pretty much swelled shut so a good cleaning of the room is in order.

He really wasn't aggressive even when walking around the room. If he was aggressive at all I would have put him down but just yelling was enough to get him to chill on the bench.

Good practice! He's kinda cute I probably would't have shot it either.

Raccoons, I have noticed, are very bold creatures. I would not be surprised if he came back. With the raccoon experiences that I have had, over the last few years, I would advise investing in a chimney cap if the property management won't do it. I'd also suggest closing your flu, in the meantime.

I thought I had the flu closed. Supposedly they are working on getting a cap installed. If they dont do something soon I will see if I can find an extension ladder and get one my self.

SHMIV wrote:Raccoons, I have noticed, are very bold creatures.

I had two come within 3 feet of climbing into my tree stand with me last bow season. Some yelling and spastic movements sent them on their way.... I didn't want them IN the stand with me!

He just wanted to do some online shopping with your internets...

Use your fireplace, he won't be coming back.