Although the snow is melting today (the thaw before the freeze), yesterday I was able to get some photos of more animal tracks in the snow. I was most curious if my thoughts were correct, and that the coyote has made it's way to our property. I have not seen it on our property yet, but I have seen a very fat raccoon. To note about that, we have not seen a raccoon here in several years. I'm guessing they are sensing that there is an extreme cold front coming, and the wild animals are all trying to fatten up.
There is a stray cat we have tried to feed, and have seen it many times since the day after Christmas. The tracks lead all over the place. I have a food shelter set up for it, but I do have to remember to bring the food bowl in at night.
Last night I forgot to bring the food bowl inside and low and behold, the big (and very fat) raccoon came up to he house to enjoy some of that cat food, ha ha! A knock on the door did not even persuade that bugger to bug off. It was sort of funny if you ask me. I remember when one of the kids used to name raccoons that kept stealing the cat food years ago.
Weekend preparations are being made for the upcoming surge of freezing temperatures.
The list includes, making sure laundry is done, dishes are done, floors are swept and mopped, chargeable light bulbs charged, batteries charged, wood cut for the wood stove if needed, water in jugs (if needed to flush toilets, water the chickens or water for us - if the power goes out, the water pump to the well does not work), oil lamp oil in stock, and extra wicking, and so forth. Oh, and extra straw in the coop for the chickens. Bread and PB and J are always the back up meal plan for a power outage. Out here we have to prepare for just about anything when the temperatures go to the extreme cold.
Animal Tracks in the Snow ~ Freezing Temps Prep © January 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart