For whatever reason, this year the local wildlife has been climbing up the steps to my bird feeding stations on my upper deck. Of course, my little Bichon and huge cat wake up and carry on when these robbers visit.

I am giving serious thought to discontinuing the feeders.

Or, perhaps moving them to the front yard.

Besides the two grey squirrels, possums and racoons are regular visitors. Often, I see two to three does (deer) munching on the bushes belonging to me and my neighbors.

I may put a gate at the top of the stairs, but would that really keep out the critters? I mean, hey, they are welcome to whatever they can find to eat, but I sure do resent being awakened during the night by my two 'watchdogs', who bark and hiss at the intruders.

I meant to feed the birds that winter over. Instead I seem to be feeding and attracting larger furry critters.

I've lived in this city home for 6 years now, and this is the first year for the invasion of the critters to any real extent.

Anyone else have this problem? And how do you handle it?

Pondy