Our Old House

As you know, I have been very excited about my worms and their wonderful work.  I keep a little bowl for them in fridge to collect all the scraps from cooking and love to feed them. So funny how it really is the little things.

Last week, as I was already running late to work, I found this in the driveway.

I sent Megan and Brandon a frantic text message with a photo of the above scene, with tears in my eyes.  We all already knew who to blame.

Bastards!

B suggested that I scoop the worms back in the bin and fix things up when I got home. This seemed like a good enough idea until I discovered that there were NO worms.  Approximately 300 worms… gone.  Could there have been that many early birds that morning?  Do raccoons eat worms!?

They do.

“Raccoons have the ability to open jars, garbage cans, doors, and even complex locks. The raccoon feeds on plants and animals. They prefer fruit and nuts but will also eat grain, insects, worms, fish, birds, garbage, and even bark when times are tough.”

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/48196.aspx#ixzz1WtbuY8fc

My babies didn’t stand a chance.

When I did finally get things cleaned up, I found two little ones who had survived.  I picked them up (with bare hands, a feat for me!) and put them in some dirt near the bushes.  It was the least I could do after such an ordeal.

The tragedy took the wind out of my sail, but I plan to get things up and going again this week.  I think they’ll need to relocate to the garage.

Are there any composters among you with suggestions for keeping my worms safe?