Raccoons

Q: I started feeding birds several years ago. Then squirrels helped themselves to the sunflower seeds. After a while I began attracting an occasional raccoon. However, I recently saw six raccoons in my yard. Will they starve if I quit feeding them?

A: They will certainly not starve. Raccoons are supremely adaptable to their surroundings and will quickly find other food sources. Remember that feeding raccoons is an invitation for trouble: they are common carriers of rabies. While seeing one occasionally is no cause for alarm, attracting them into your yard with food is never a good idea.