We've been trying to catch a feral cat that is stalking my bird feeder. But the cat doesn't like the food we've put in the cage. This fellow was not as discriminating. We let him go after I got a few shots!
He's an opossum and you don't usually see them during the day as they are nocturnal. Poor thing- he really was confused for quite some time. When we opened the cage for him to be released he was facing away from the opening. At first we thought he was unnerved by us being there so we walked away to watch him leave from a distance. But he didn't leave for another 2 hours! He napped and preened himself just like a cat- even after turning around and facing the open door. He finally seemed to realize there was nothing keeping him there any longer and waddled off into the woods. What you can't see in this shot is his long tail. It's tucked under him. We were curious as to what he actually did eat naturally and learned they are omnivores so he'll eat pretty much anything- carrion, small rodents, eggs, birds, berries and grains. And yes, it was even noted that they will eat dog or cat food.
This is a possum, isn't it? Nice the prettiest creature and heard they can be quite mean when frightened. Hope you catch the cat and can have it spade too.
Thanks everybody! It was fun to see your curiosity over the opossum. They are somewhat strange-looking critters. I've included a little more about them in the commentary now.
@gardenfolk We catch the feral cats and find other homes for them. We can't afford to take them to a vet and most of them have been left behind by people who have moved out and not taken their pet with them (yes, that happens a lot here). We always bring them to a place where there is food and shelter. Last year we dealt with 11 of them. I cannot afford to take care of animals that people have abandoned but I don't want to see them come to harm either. Running loose around this area eventually draws the attention of coyotes. So it's better to relocate them. The shelters around here claim to be no-kill but they are small and with the feral cats there is no guarantee that they will be able to go into a home. So we feel it's best to let them stay wild.
@eudora He looked like he was napping a couple times but I don't think he was playing dead. There was nothing around to scare him that way.
@randystreat Yes, the cage allows you to open the gate without putting your hands near the animal.
@olivetreeann We have some rescue groups her in town that give out vouchers to get feral and stray cats spayed for free. My vet will do it. Actually, that is what I used for Katniss because she was left behind when her family moved and before I decided to keep her. She was a pregnant strayed that I wanted to help...and at the time, I didn't even like cats because I grew up allergic. If the cats are going to remain on the loose, it is nice to have them spayed so more kittens don't have the same fate...it is an ongoing battle and no easy answer.
@golftragic@gardenfolk@mandygravil
Thanks Marnie! They may look cuddly, but if you make a move toward them they become agitated and aggressive- so it's best to stay a distance from them.
Thanks Mandy!
Thanks CC! It's not as easy to do that in this area- but if I could I would probably take the cat somewhere. The nearest no-kill shelter is 45 minutes away.
@taffy Thanks Taffy- yes a little bit of a surprise!
Thanks everybody! It was fun to see your curiosity over the opossum. They are somewhat strange-looking critters. I've included a little more about them in the commentary now.
@gardenfolk We catch the feral cats and find other homes for them. We can't afford to take them to a vet and most of them have been left behind by people who have moved out and not taken their pet with them (yes, that happens a lot here). We always bring them to a place where there is food and shelter. Last year we dealt with 11 of them. I cannot afford to take care of animals that people have abandoned but I don't want to see them come to harm either. Running loose around this area eventually draws the attention of coyotes. So it's better to relocate them. The shelters around here claim to be no-kill but they are small and with the feral cats there is no guarantee that they will be able to go into a home. So we feel it's best to let them stay wild.
@eudora He looked like he was napping a couple times but I don't think he was playing dead. There was nothing around to scare him that way.
@randystreat Yes, the cage allows you to open the gate without putting your hands near the animal.
Thanks Marnie! They may look cuddly, but if you make a move toward them they become agitated and aggressive- so it's best to stay a distance from them.
Thanks Mandy!
Thanks CC! It's not as easy to do that in this area- but if I could I would probably take the cat somewhere. The nearest no-kill shelter is 45 minutes away.
@taffy Thanks Taffy- yes a little bit of a surprise!