Well, as long as we are morphing into 'racoons'.
I know 'em well.
Too well.
So far, this year...as of 9Sep23.... I have sent to heaven ---43 racoons. Conibears & Tomahawk live trap.
I generally do about 35 to 45 every year.
I cannot 'kill-my-way-out' of my racoon issues. I can only exercise some control.
They get to all of my apples...especially the early ripening ones --Williams Pride, Pristine, Dolgo.
And generally leave my pears alone.*
*Howver, I have a pear tree ...a 'David' that I bought about 18years ago from that 'cold hardy' nursery in Maine (don't know if they are still in business)...anyway, in the last 4 years it has really begun to set fruit. It is loaded in early to mid-July. And then it is all gone in about a week. 4 years in a row.
Oh sure, I trap underneath it...get racoons, possums, and occasional fox squirrel.....but the critters find a way. I looked at it a week ago...September 1st...there is not one single pear on it. And it had a real load...the best year yet....in mid-July.
My other pears, the Kieffers and my seedling and grafted 'locals'......are not bothered by racoons until late December. But that 'David'.....is 'coon candy'.