I’ve heard odd noises outside our house before, but last night really made me think.

First, two neighborhood Tomcats had a face-off. Their yowling on our front porch reminded me of the sound of howling coyotes but worse because it was on our front steps

This time there was no brawling, thank goodness–I hate it when fur flies.

I went out to shoo them away. At least they could take their argument elsewhere. (They are the two who haven’t been neutered yet, but I have an eye on them.)

Later, I was quietly writing on my laptop at the kitchen table. It was very dark outside–no moon. This time the noise from the porch was different. It was loud and scrapping. It made me catch my breath.

Then I realized what it was.

I turned on the outside light and saw two raccoons finishing up the cat food crumbs the cats had left. As they ate they moved the heavy old enamel meat trays I feed the cats on.

The two raccoons looked up at me.

I walked away and let them finish.

The next time I looked, one was up on the birdfeeder, finishing the food there, too.

Yes, Sunnybook Farm is where the wild things are. If I have to go outside after dark, I make a lot of noise. The wild things scatter and don’t bother me.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved