Bermuda Beach

If you find an injured small mammal, raccoon, possum or other small mammal, call one of the Wildlife Rehabilitators or Texas Parks and Wildlife. Numbers located on the Animal Emergency link.

Raccoons and Possums

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Just for the record, the bandits with the black mask are the raccoons and the gray animal with the big teeth and the long rat tail is the possum.

Leave them alone and they'll leave you alone. (Except for that little picnic they'll try to steal).

The raccoons tend to be more shy that the possums. Both animals are nocturnal but raccoons do leave their nests during the day to forage for food while the youngsters take their nap.

If one of these critters are on the deck, leave them an OUT. Don't corner them. Just make a loud noise, stomp your feet, but leave them ample room to scurry away.

We enjoy watching the raccoons. We have a family that comes to our door nightly for a free handout and to wash their "hands" in the large bowl we leave on the deck. This little guy just made himself at home. The photograph was taken through the sliding glass window. it's really been fun to watch the babies grow from kitten size to young adults.

Possums on the other hand tend to stay and make a mess. If you arrive at the beach to find large droppings on the deck it's probably a family of possums.

What can you do to get rid of them!

Remember they eat snakes! But you can discourage them from living at your house by placing bags of mothballs (use old socks) tied to the top of the rail at each access point and at the base of the stairs. The idea being they think a "large moth" has already marked it's territory. Coyote urine is actually best and can be purchased at sporting goods stores. (No, human urine isn't strong enough).

Possums tend to walk the tops of the deck rail and the raccoons use the steps or climb up the pilings. We sprayed the deck with vinegar once and it has successfully kept the possums from making themselves at home and using the deck as their personal latrine. We have also trapped and relocated several possums. If you have a serious problem just try the mothballs and soak the deck with vinegar. Or call and we'll visit about other options. 281-438-0804