Oh man, had myself a visitor this evening. I stepped outside to do something, I can't even remember why now. I turned the light on outside and heard some kind of rustling noise. I looked in that general direction and saw what looked like little eyes and something run by. Raccoon! I ran inside and grabbed my flashlight and my .22 because it ran off in the direction of the coop, and my ducks were sleeping in the run. I have welded wire around the run, but it's 1x2 so a smaller critter could definitely reach through/squeeze in (eventually will add hw cloth to this).
I found the raccoon, and it was a small thing. It must be juvenile. I hollered at it, and it seemed real unsure about what to do. It sort of approached me a bit, then backed off. Eventually it ran across the yard and back into the corn field.
I went into the run and put the ducks up in the coop, secured all the doors, and double checked they were latched well.
What're the legalities of dispatching a raccoon if it threatens my flock? It's pretty clear when it comes to coyotes, but not so sure w/ raccoons.
