I only ask because a friend of mine in Lakewood, CO was ticketed and had to go to court for capturing and attempting to relocate a skunk that had invaded his property. I still haven't figured out the whole in and outs of that one, but it still might be wise to check with both state and local wildlife folks for any particular ordinances--and maybe get their advice while you are at it.

... when he seen the size of the footprints and empty traps, my guess is he could live out the rest of his life just fine if he never heard another report about this raccoon problem.

That was my take anyway.

Don

in the garage ? Garden supply centers sell different kinds of devices that scare away the critters. But there are organizations that specialize in those areas PAWS is one of those. People take squirrels or raccoons -birds that have been hit by cars or are hurt and stranded by the roadside- and those animals are treated,nursed back to health .than released back into the wild. If PAWS doesn't handle that in your locality-they will refer you to the oganization that does. They will tell you exactly what to do and what not to do.

If the critter were invading your garden- there are all kinds of nifty devices on market to chase those critters away. First try calling a large landscape supply outfit- for advice about that and products. Than call PAWS . you may be able to rent a large trap too.

You got a big one-that is for sure.

I was told that April and May are the months for mama raccoons to have their kits so I am sure she plans on staying until that event. Perhaps a little longer? That is if the garage is still there? Very destructive animals. She already has three or four holes chewed through to the outside.

Thanks for the suggestion of PAWS.

Will give them a call tomorrow first thing.

Don

ask them for help. I have seen bears in the community trapped and taken back into the wilds by their officials. A racoon can be visious so I would not try it myself - especially when there are kits involved.

We had a Mamma move into our barn with our babies a few years back. My husband had to cut some 2x4s for some project or another. 2 minutes after he started working, Mamma started moving her babies out!

A relative had the same problem in her attic. What convinced the raccoons to leave was a good dose of talk radio and very bright lights, 24/7. Another method is ammonia and/or mothballs, if you don't mind the odor.

None of those tricks works outdoors. I know because I still have a raccoon problem in my yard I'm trying to deal with.

(Another option is to trap a kit if you can, and then keep the kit in the trap, which forces the mother to try and get in the trap.)