a while ago I mentioned that we lost one of the 4 raccoon cubs. But all 4 were back a few days ago and before. As far as I can tell, they were no shows last night and the night before. They're usually the first or second c00nies at the food bowl, so if I don't see them by say 10pm they don't usually show. So I'm hoping they found another food source.
I sort of encouraged that by making sure the bowl didn't always have food so since it's getting later in the season, there should be wild fruits and nuts they scavenge. Pulse insects, frogs, crayfish, etc. There's a small stream that runs about 50 or 60 feet past the end of my property.
There's an old milk road that marks the back of the property so there was never a chance for me to be a 'riparian' property owner (meaning land that has running water). But that's fine since while my land has a very gentle slope as you walk to the back, from there, it drops about another 10 feet.
Anyway, I got a couple cases of shredded tuna and put out 3 cans a while ago and the kitties are still there. I did mix one can in with the kibble so the tuna is at the bottom - for late comers. But 2 of the cats are still parked there.
The kitties aren't exactly buddies but they seem to understand that they don't need to fight over food and I saw 2 cat of very different lineage (judging by fur color - one tuxedo and one tiger striped) head bump. I'm not sure what exactly that means in "cat," but I'm pretty sure it's at least a sign of momentary détente.