Not much to blab about so here are a few mammal sightings of late.
We've encountered this coyote a few times. He's an elusive one, keeping his distance, which really is for the better considering how many people are against these animals.
A little bit of peek-a-boo the other weekend. We assume it's the same one, or it's mate, as it is in the same general area.
A recent dusk walk had us chance upon 5 deer across the river. We don't see deer nearly as often anymore. Weird.
And here at home, my trail camera recently picked up an opossum coming through the backyard. It's the first one that I am aware of in about 6 months. Unfortunately I haven't had it on the cam since.
I love all our backyard creatures but the opossum tugs on my heartstrings a little more than others. I think back to the many nights and months of seeing one or more, sharing my apple core with one especially. So many photo opportunities too! Some say they're ugly as sin. I think they're cute as F***!
I look forward to warmer nights ahead and sitting out back after dark, seeing who may come through. It won't be long until it's baby season too!
These two were a riot.
The cam has been picking up at least 3 raccoons this winter. We lost so many in the fall due to canine distemper, I am glad a few remain.
This guy lost his tail a few weeks back. I saw him with a wounded tail earlier in the winter. Now it's gone.
Three skunks are also showing up on the cam. All very different looking individuals.
Here is one of them. All nice and clean, looking like a common skunk.
This guy, who is lacking the white stripes, shows up on the cam most often.
Sadly we lost a lot of skunks to distemper as well in the fall; so seeing these three makes me happy to know not all were lost. I know too many people still leery of skunks but mindsets are changing of some around me thanks to Angie and I's posts about living with them each summer.
And probably the most special mammal of them all out there is Ripper. He is still around after 4 years. I don't see him daily, heck sometimes not even weekly, but suddenly he is there again. I know a neighbour a couple doors over spoils them all rotten with peanut offerings. A steady supply seemingly daily. I suspect that explains his absenteeism but he always knows where to come for a good feed no matter what. Here he is from this past weekend.
Ripper is an awesome little dude and I cherish our visits. Much like my time with Pierre the pigeon, I have no regrets to all the photos and selfies.
Ripper and I hope to have a surprise soon for those of you who live in our area. Say what now? You'll see, well maybe, if it does pan out.
What kind of mammals are you all seeing out there in your travels?
