”
I had to comment on the raccoon situation. I use to live on
Toyon Court and I would watch the raccoons come out of the storm
drains each night. They’re already in Gilroy eating pet food that’s
left out. They’re everywhere.
”
“I had to comment on the raccoon situation. I use to live on Toyon Court and I would watch the raccoons come out of the storm drains each night. They’re already in Gilroy eating pet food that’s left out. They’re everywhere.”
and …
“When you see these little monsters, run – regarding raccoons. I live on Sixth and Wren and I’d like to tell you about my dog Risco, 5- to 6-year-old Lab, part mutt, 35 to 40 pounds. He got into a fight with what I thought was a dog two months ago and it turned out to be a good-sized raccoon. This was in the evening and I didn’t know what he was fighting with. I thought my dog came out ahead of it because I looked out and the raccoon was killed. A few days later my dog started to act weird. I had to take it to the local vet. Turns out my dog had a broken neck and it was caused by this fight with the raccoon. I just want you to know how dangerous I think these raccoons can be because this is a feisty little dog, so I can imagine what it could do to a small child. Just wanted to give my two cents.”
Red Phone: We’re glad to hear that you’re dog survived his bout with the raccoon. They can indeed be pesky critters. And spring is the time of year their young start to venture out on their own looking for food.
Raccoons are predators and usually eat small animals and insects. But they are not particular about what they eat. A container of cat food makes for a great snack, and it doesn’t require the effort of chasing down a meal.
Usually raccoons will leave pets alone but sometimes they will attack cats or dogs. When possible, keep your pets inside if you have seen raccoons in your area. And make sure their rabies shots are up to date.
The Department of Fish and Game recommends making sure any sources of food such as garbage cans or compost piles are covered so racoons can’t get at them. Also plug up any holes in your yard that raccoons may use to enter.
Fish and Game offers licenses to hunt or kill raccoons. Some people have also had success with sprays that keep the raccoons away, but Fish and Game says they may or may not work.
What’s with all the dogs?
“We could hear a number of police cars arriving at Gilroy Gardens from our house in Eagle Ridge last night (March 3) around 8:30 p.m. We could hear what sounded like multiple K-9 units barking as well. I was surprised I did not see anything in the paper today.”
Dear Barking up the Wrong Tree,
Red Phone is a sound sleeper and did not hear the dogs barking. And Gilroy Police St. Jim Gillo said he was unaware of any activity in the area during that time.
“The only thing even close was an accident just east of Mt. Madonna,” Gillo said “We received the call and transferred it to CHP. This was at about 21:45.”
Unfortunately, Red Phone was not able to contact CHP in time for publication.
Perhaps they were chasing some stray raccoons…
