Re: [Paddlewise] Racoons

Evan Dallas wrote:
> 
> In racoon
> country, we always hang everything that could possibly be a temptation.  And
> even hanging the food is no guarantee unless it's very well hung (the food, that
> is), since the racoons are smart enough to gnaw at the ropes, if accessible.
>

As a long-time observer of raccoons in the wild (mostly in Algonquin park) - 
did you know that contented raccoons purr like cats? - allow me to tell you 
a secret.

Raccoons aren't as smart as some folks think, however, they are persistent and
won't give up easily.  Their primary approach to getting something they want is
to scratch at the bag/container/whatever until something gives.  They go for 
the spot that has the strongest smell, like a zipper, the crack between the 
bottom and lid of a cooler etc.  Since they have longish claws, clawing at a 
zipper will sometimes let them catch and open the zipper, making folks think
they're smart enough to have figured them out.  Even canoe barrels have been 
opened by raccoons who've accidentally snagged the metal closure lever with 
their paws (since bears don't use this approach, canoe barrels seem to be
bear proof).   If you use them in raccoon country, put something into the
closure lever to make sure it can't be opened easily.

Now the secret.  A raccoon will not jump in a tree.  They can climb anything
they can get their claws into - including parachute cord or other fine line.
In order to raccoon proof your hanging pack, use a length of stainless steel
wire, 1/8 inch diameter, between your pack and the rope you hang it with.
It has to be longer than the reach of the raccoon.  I had one made up at a 
marine shop, a meter long with stainless thimbles at each end.  The raccoon
can't grip the wire and therefore can't climb down to the food.  I've used 
this for years and haven't had a single problem since I started.  I've 
watched the buggers try over and over to get to the food pack and give up in
disgust.  

Mike
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