Another wildlife encounter.

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Whether from cooking out side more often, or from feeding Sam 'on the patio' as she prefers now that the weather is to her liking, something seems to have drawn a critter.  Not so as... enervating as the mountain lion of some years back.  And yet, at night, with just a penlight and little certainty, there is a spook factor.  From the grunts and... other noises, I suspected it was rather small.  I thought it was most likely a raccoon.  It headed out, but not at great speed.  And, I did have a pistol with me.  Now, a cornered raccoon can be a nasty little critter.  It's a wild creature, about four times the size of a cat.  Generally it isn't on my dangerous wildlife list, unless it has rabies.  Then it will charge and attack.  The same with any wild animal, mostly, and even domestic pets.

I followed it around the house, then followed it just a bit.  I wasn't trying to chase it off, the girls being in.  I simply hoped to catch a better look at it.  It did not cooperate.  It had been at the window, with Sassy looking out.  That is where it was barking and carrying on.  Sassy was probably scratching at the window.  I don't think either could break through.  Sam and Sassy play 'patty cake', one from inside, the other from outside, that window all the time.  And while a raccoon is bigger, it isn't that much bigger.

Still... it was sort of fun, once I figured it all out.  I am quite sure, as many of my neighbors have chickens, that killing it would have made some happy.  However, shooting in town is against the law, and with six or nine various leo's in town... well...  And while not an eco-freak, or PETA at all, I also, generally, prefer not to kill.  There are times and places.  And I understand s.s.s  It's just, I'm not vested or threatened.  Further, I probably invited it.  I will continue to cook, but I will be bringing Sam's bowls in at night.

Grwlll...  I did have a pet one when I was quite young.  They are, sort of, okay... when they are young.  At some point they become totally unmanageable.  At which time out they go.  An uncle found a dead mother and kits.  At least we gave them a chance, feeding them up to an age at which they might have a chance.  Their eyes weren't open when we got them.  There was no such thing as animal rescue.  We were it.

Hmm... gaming?  A little music, first, then to that.