Hey crossedwires, it is also a very derogatory word in the same way here... but it's also a totally innocent nickname for a raccoon when used in the proper context so there's no danger of misunderstanding here in the US. It's all about context and I can't imagine that anyone here would even think of the 'nasty' side of the term the way we're all using it!
I've got one curious about my coop now too... I live in the middle of a wooded lot, with a river behind the house and we always have them, but as long as they aren't nosing around the coop, I let em live. Well, my traps are going up tonight. Does anyone know if there's a worse smell than raccoon poop? ('nice' word should be replaced with the 'bad' word because it's a BAD smell!!!!)
I've been told I'm crazy for not trapping them more, but honestly, I'd be trapping and shooting them non-stop because of the rural and wooded area I live in. Since they are territorial, as long as the ones in 'my' territory leave my critters alone and mind their own business, I'm fine with them. I keep my birds locked up tight and watch for any sign of interest... Now, I'm going to trap this nosy one or two, and I may have a real aggressive one move in, and I'll have to trap him or her, and then on and on. ...but that's the way it goes. These ones seem to have lost fear of approaching the coop and even the back door, so they've got to go.
Oh, and I too tie down the bait and wedge the trap so they can't tip it over to get in to the bait with their cleaver little paws.
//edit to add, I've heard they're quite tasty but haven't tried them. Of course I knew a lady who raved about how good possum tastes too, but I saw one crawl out of a dead cow's carcass once, so I can't imagine ever eating opossum either!!
