Brooklynian » Forum » Park Slope »

Raccoon--first sighting

Share this!
 | 
    1. User has not uploaded an avatar
      uglyjohnny

      what am I, new?
      Joined: Apr '07
      Posts: 9

      First raccoon sighting in 20-plus years on this block. In the backyards between Sterling & St Johns/Sixth & Seventh. Just after dark last night. Up one fire escape, across a few roofs and down another. Full grown, a little bit bashful (not aggressive), surprisingly noisy. Neighbors, you might want to get some heavy duty screens if your windows overlook a fire escape.

    2. drano
      Drano

      Meow Wars Veteran
      Joined: Jan '06
      Posts: 1,670

      They're crawling out of the woodwork closer to the park. Gives the cats something to check out besides pigeons.

    3. escapemaker
      escapemaker

      what am I, new?
      Joined: Apr '11
      Posts: 7

      I was awakened by one in my backyard on 8th St. at 5am last Thursday morning. He was clinking beer bottles and lapping up the beer in a recycle bag and gnawing on a stale hotdog bun left over from my last bbq. Apparently he bore a hole in a the trash bag. A black squirrel and two feral cats flanked the fence watching over him. It was a scene from a zoo! Then he knocked over an empty planter to get the water out of it before my window tapping finally scared him off. First raccoon sighting in living here almost 16 years!

    4. pyrrhic victory
      Pyrrhic Victory

      what am I, new?
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 9

      Raccoons are extremely rare in these parts. I recommend you stay away from them because they are known to carry rabies. Alert animal control so they can put it down.

    5. booklaw
      booklaw

      admin
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,409

      Actually, they're all over PS and other neighborhoods adjoining Prospect Park.

      Animal control won't get involved unless the particular animal is behaving as if rabid.

    6. pyrrhic victory
      Pyrrhic Victory

      what am I, new?
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 9

      I would advise everyone to stay away from raccoons because if one is bitten by a rabies contaminated raccoon then the subsequent shots will scar you for life. Raccoons are not friendly animals like cats. They have been know to break into peoples homes in order to scavenge and they also have attacked humans. I will never understand why the city allows these animals to reside in the parks. They pose a danger to our children.

    7. booklaw
      booklaw

      admin
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,409

      Whether or not a raccoon is rabid, it is a good idea to stay away. Nearly all raccoons carry roundworms, which can be passed on to humans.

      Keep your distance, and clean very, very thoroughly if one gets into your apartment.

    8. pyrrhic victory
      Pyrrhic Victory

      what am I, new?
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 9

      A friend of mine told me that raccoons are not a protected species in NYC so if they enter you home all bets are off. Best way to deal with an invading raccoon is with a blunt object. Aim for the cranium with a bat or golf club. If you have a flashlight daze it with the beam and then strike. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to animals invading your home and I have heard a few stories from neighbors who live near Prospect park. Although I have never had a raccoon enter my home I do have a golf club by my bed just in case.

    9. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      Hi, I live by Prospect park and I think I had a furry intrude in my home. The window screen in the bathroom window was pushed in and the bag of cat food was ripped apart. How do I make sure my home is not contaminated with rabbies?

    10. homeowner
      homeowner

      mod
      Joined: Jan '06
      Posts: 3,018

      Rabies is spread by infected saliva that enters the body through a bite or broken skin. The virus travels from the wound to the brain, where it causes swelling, or inflammation.

      So long as the animal is gone, you have little to fear, although I'd sweep the house to make sure there are no droppings and the animal is gone. However if your cat(s) survived the encounter, don't think there is much in the way of risk to you. Close your windows when you leave your home.

    11. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      I cleaned the area of possible contamination as best I could. I need not worry about pet cross contamination at this juncture especially since my cat "Scrumbles" passed away a week ago. He took ill after a visit to the park and succumbed to his illness a few days later. The vet basically told me he might have inadvertently ingested rat poison. I miss him so but my primary worry now is the area I set aside for him. I want it germ free for the new arrival I am adopting in the coming week.

    12. stacey
      stacey

      rocking it
      Joined: Mar '05
      Posts: 3,524

      First I am so sorry for your loss Lillith
      But I am curious - you took your cat to Prospect Park? Was it by leash?

      Also if you are looking to adopt a new cat please, please check with caseopele (who is a poster here). She is a local rescuer who has quite a few cats/kittens up to adoption.

    13. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      "Scrumbles" was a wonderful cat. I never met a cat that did not mind a leash. I would bring him to the park in his box and then hook the leash onto his collar and he would lead me around all the bushes and trees. "Scrumbles" loved the park and I usually walked him away from the rest of the pet owners. I blame the sanitation department for not posting any signs about rat poison. I am actually looking into litigation at this stage. "Scrumbles" will be sorely missed.

      Thank you for the recommendation for adoption but I have already made arrangements and my new cat comes home in about a week. I can't wait to play with him/her.

    14. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      I hear cats like water as well.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    15. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      "Scrumbles" had a natural fear of water. In that respect he was normal.

    16. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      You have had a rough week.

      First you walk your cat on leash in the park. ?

      Then it might have injected rat poison ?

      Then a raccoon invades your house ?

      Then your cat dies. ?

      Then you have to wait weeks to get a new cat?

      Then you sign up for Brooklynian again?

      ...brutal

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    17. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      I still do not understand how cats not liking baths or water has anything to do with "Convenience".

      You have had a rough week,
      First you walk your cat on leash in the park. ?
      Then it might have injected rat poison ?
      Then a raccoon invades your house ?
      Then your cat dies. ?
      Then you have to wait weeks to get a new cat?
      Then you discover Brooklynian under a new name?

      ...brutal

      And while we are at it why does it feel like you are mocking me. Does this have anything to do with me being a cat lover and you being a dog lover? If this is the case I assure you I meant no offense to the canine owners of this forum.

    18. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      LillithofArc said:
      I still do not understand how cats not liking baths or water has anything to do with "Convenience".

      me either. You should explain.

      I have never stated I dislike cats.

      Hating cats would as silly as airborne rabies, or thinking your house was infected by rabies.

      silly, lovable cats

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    19. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      Whynot, you are a trying to tug at my emotional strings and I will not play your games. You should be ashamed for mocking my loss.

    20. booklaw
      booklaw

      admin
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 2,409

      Lillith, I don't know what WhyNot is or isn't doing, but some of us genuinely sympathize with your loss, and hope your new pet will love you and entertain you as much as Scrumbles did.

    21. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      Thank you, Booklaw.

    22. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      Booklaw-
      I totally agree; losing a cat is very sad. Everyone loves cats and their owners.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    23. cvarrick
      cvarrick

      rookie newb
      Joined: Nov '07
      Posts: 24

      Lillith, I don't know what WhyNot is or isn't doing, but some of us genuinely sympathize with your loss, and hope your new pet will love you and entertain you as much as Scrumbles did.

      I thought we were talking about "Scrumbles".

    24. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      We were. Then we got mugged.

      And rabies.

      And rat poison

      And bleeding hearts

      ....any moment we will get strollers.

      Until then, we have a deceased cat with a big head we must mourn and someone who likes to create new accounts.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    25. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      But who once again is caged

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    26. User has not uploaded an avatar
      svanso223

      what am I, new?
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 2

      If you see a racoon at night going through garbage, chances are its NOT rabid. When you see one in the daytime, you should call animal control or 311. Also Pyrric Victory appears to be an animal-hating sociopath of sorts and I'm fairly certain that a citizen spreading poison around a city owned property without consent of the city is illegal. Don't hesitate to call the police if you see him spreading rat poison around (see his post in re: pigeon murder).

    27. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      Svanso223, you are 100% correct and God willing he will get his comeuppance.

    28. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      yes, bang the drum.

      Try to make more people believe that the pidgin poisoning character you have created is dastardly and real.

      yawn.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    29. tateinbk
      tateinbk

      above average
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 503

      the inspiration for this perhaps?

      [+] Embed this video

    30. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      I have tried ignoring this "peon" but obviously he has it in for me. Perhaps he secretly hates cats or maybe hates women. I can not fathom why a person who knows nothing about me is intent on bad mouthing me and my deceased cat. Is this how he gets his jollies? Is this the only manner in which he knows how to socialize with others? Judging by his comment count I can surmise that he has no semblance of a life and that this forum is all that he has and knows. I have no choice now but to ask the admin to step in and ask this low life to stop harassing me. I do not appreciate the snide remarks or the dastardly messages left with your other accounts. PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE!
      This is your last warning, Whynot_31, before I go to the next step and file harassment charges against you.

    31. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      I love silly cats. I out them so everyone can see.

      When cats die I feel sad.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    32. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      Tate-
      The song pre dates the present silliness. But yes, the gag is ancient.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    33. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      I can't wait for act 2.

      Sightings of the fictional park poisoner.

      Google pictures of dead birds.

      It will be great.

      Meanwhile, the crowd is supposed to believe that I have developed a sudden dislike for women with deceased cats. An interesting twist.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    34. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      Amazing how the mind of a feeble person works. If this is all fictitious right down to my deceased cat and the pigeon poisoner then how do you explain the messages from other persons on this thread pointing me in the direction of the below individual in the supplied video?

      [+] Embed this video

      LOOK AT THE DATE!!!!!

      POSTED 01/02/10

      Surely you do not expect us to believe that I traveled back in time and posted this Youtube video in order so I could make myself look more credible when I say that my fictitious cat was murdered by this person. Your intellect is dizzying beyond belief and borders on the ludicrous.

      At the bare minimum I would like to hear your ridiculous explanation before I choose to ignore the further moronic diatribes of a lonely bored man with too much time on his hands. Might I suggest you get a girlfriend.

    35. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      I believe the onus is on you.

      As a animal lover, I will be your biggest fan.

      I also love hoaxes. Youll win either way..

      By all means, ignore me.

      having pulled off similar stunts, I should advise you that the best pranks are accomplished by acting normal for a while and gathering readers trust and sympathy.

      Then, find the video of the old guy feeding/poisoning pidgins and try to make us believe our pets are at risk. Remember, there are skeptics in the crowd, we are allowed to ask questions, and merely asking questions does not make you a victim.

      some of us even have and love cats.

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    36. lillithofarc
      LillithofArc

      R.I.P SCRUMBLES
      Joined: Jun '11
      Posts: 79

      Just as I thought...CAN'T BACK UP HIS WORDS OR ALLEGATIONS!

      YOU SIR ARE FULL OF BUNK AND YOU LIKE TO HARASS WOMEN!

      Do me a favor, LEAVE ME ALONE! If you do not like what I post then ignore it. Also stop disrespecting my deceased cat. You do not see me talking about you lopsided crippled dog depicted on your icon, do you? Many apologies to the dog if I offended it.

      JUST LEAVE ME BE!

      P.S (Directed to the admin) He admits to conducting pranks in the past so why not look into him as perpetrating this prank. Perhaps I am a pawn in his over all plan after all. Phooey on me!

    37. whynot_31
      whynot_31

      Former Lurker
      Joined: Mar '06
      Posts: 16,106

      Hmmm, a victim of the sock puppets, not one of them?

      Regardless, You have had a brutal week. I hope your weekend is better.

      Stay alert!

      For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.
    38. carmen
      Carmen

      Mayor of Snark Slope
      Joined: Jun '06
      Posts: 3,254

      YOU SIR ARE FULL OF BUNK AND LIKE TO HARASS WOMEN!!! GET OFF MY LAWN!!!

      whoa hey whoa hey whoa
    39. drano
      Drano

      Meow Wars Veteran
      Joined: Jan '06
      Posts: 1,670

      I've got to admire that racoon's initiative.

    40. justsayin
      justsayin

      y'know?
      Joined: May '11
      Posts: 15

      Pyrrhic Victory said:I will never understand why the city allows these animals to reside in the parks. They pose a danger to our children.

      Stop being so dramatic.

    41. I had a funny encounter with a racoon on 18th street a few months ago. It ran down the street, stood on it's back legs, and opened someone's gate, then ran inside and disappeared. He acted like he owned the place. I never realized a racoon could open a gate. It actually solved a mystery of ours, because our dog had been wigging out every time he walked by this particular address. It must have been that he smelled/sensed the coons.

      Then again, early this morning, I saw another one. It looked like he ran out of the subway station and down Howard Place, then turned into someone's property. Maybe he was responsible for this thread

      These guys really move around with a purpose. Both sightings were in the 3-5AM window. So, You don't have to come and confess, we're lookin for you. We gon find you! We gon find you!
      Hide your kids, Hide your wife!
      Hide your kids, Hide your wife!
      Hide your kids, Hide your wife!
      and hide your husbands too...


    RSS feed for this topic

     Welcome! Please log in to post, or register a new account!

    Brooklynian » Neighborhood Message Boards » Park Slope


    Members Online

    now :
    most recent : foolio, park place, opossumqueen, eastbloc, vick5y, turtle95, howncreights, limestonekid, seussan, walkathon, tsarina