mrbb, raccoons are some of the meanest critters you can deal with if they get angry, which doesn't take much. I have caught more than my share of nuisance coons in my time and had one run half way up my leg till I could knock him off. They may look cute and harmless, however if one decides to take you on you will look like you went through a threshing machine. They also carry a worm that can make you blind if ingested, the eggs are picked up from their fur and or feces. I really would consider chasing them away from your house especially if you have kids or grandkids that play out side.