Since we moved here the racoons have been out of control and only on one case have I ever and I mean ever let a racoon live and feed him. He was very old and blind in both eyes. I discovered this when I went to kick him and missed and he never moved. then he ran into the wall face first. After seeing his eyes and the way he moved I knew then he was blind. I fed him cat food which he would take a few pieces of carefully smelling and pulling his little portion to his legs so he knew where to find him. I let him live out his last days which on a good note and a sad note wasn't long at all.
I eradicate any that I see from this point but. we were told the farm we moved into was inhabited by raccons for the 4 years it was empty. So we just figured he was the last of that generation. He was definatly sweet and greatful for the few treats he got. In my honest Opinion theres a time for sympothy and a time for protection and sometimes we have to figure out which is what. I hear alot about diseases racoons carry and you should kill them all asap, what about us? what about our generations today? herpies, syphlis, HIV, Diabietes, MRSA, are you gonna dare tell me is not the same? we as people are just as dirty as most animals if not more at times.
The only difference is they have a higher Possibility to have such diseases. We as humans are the biggest spreaders of disease, by not washing our hands, Not covering our mouths when we cough, Not wiping the toilet seat in public restrooms. theres tons and tons of things we can do as a society to reduce threats of infections and disease.
My point to this is only to say, I agree with most the posters in the pred section Eradication leads to prevention. But not every animal is a bad animal and few deserve a fair chance. And grandpa use to say practice what you preach, Well if were gonna Kill everything to avoid disease, we need to do our parts as well to be more preventative. Just my 1 cent since I am to poor to afford 2