Bob's Corner
From our weekly issue dated August 26, 2009
Pixie O’Possum, a nocturnal visitor
One of the advantages of living in a small, rural community is having wildlife around. And I’m not talking about the street people or the folks who frequent the alcohol watering holes.
No, I’m referring to actual nonhuman critters including opossums, raccoons and an occasional skunk. Not to mention various jays, crows, and tweety birds. And let us not forget the stray cats, some of whom are stray only in the sense that they come to eat at our house instead of at their own home.
Of late, we have become the foster parents of two opossums, who appear to be brother and sister. Jan has named them Pixie and Paddy O’Possum. The female is apparently on a schedule, as she shows up most every night at 10:30 on our front porch. Her sibling usually arrives a short time later. They love cat food. And they like drinking from a large bowl of water that’s actually there for the cats.
One night recently, while Pixie was chomping (she eats rather loudly), a tiny skunk joined her at the feeding trough. They ate in convivial and companionable togetherness for a time. But then Mr. Skunk became greedy and chased her away. That was not nice, so we encouraged Mr. Skunk to leave, and he departed in good odor.
Pixie seems to have been in some sort of trouble, as there’s a strip of hair missing from her back. Plus, her tail looks like something bit it. But she’s looking better. Must be the nutritious cat food and eating regularly.
Her brother is in much better condition. He’s rather a good-looking opossum, although as many will say, opossums really look like large rats, but are actually marsupials. They’re inoffensive creatures, and we find them cute and endearing.
The raccoons, however, are a different breed: And a different story. Let us just say that they can be destructive, plus they are known to carry certain diseases. But they do get to eat at our animal cafeteria, as long as they behave themselves.
Ah wilderness ...
Advertisement:
