Interesting Visitors

It is interesting living in a small village (population in the 400 range) located in a remote area because you never know exactly what you are going to see right in your own yard.  I've mentioned deer before and we saw a doe again this morning, that is becoming a pretty common occurrence.  I've seen many rabbits too, and I've seen and heard owls and other birds, including doves, robins, nut hatches, jays, cardinals, sparrows, starlings, and even a hawk every once in a while, just to name a few.  Fortunately I've never seen any of the skunks I've smelled but I do know they are in town because occasionally I will hear a gun shot and the sheriff has given people permission to shoot them inside village limits because of the potential for rabies.  I've been told to also be on the look out for the occasional porcupine which kind of surprised me, I've seen them many times on the road side as I've been driving from one destination to another but never knew they'd been seen in town.  Another thing I was cautioned against are coyotes, which is another thing that surprised me.  It shouldn't because coyotes are very adaptable to any environment and aren't as shy as we would like to think - if they can find an easy meal they will take advantage of that.  If people leave food out for their pets, or put scraps in their trash that is an automatic draw, and coyotes have also preyed upon small pets.  I know I've heard coyotes very close to town from time to time, but I haven't spotted one in town yet and hope I don't, but I do have my .22 and the shells close at hand if I should ever need to shoot a skunk or coyote.  Something that I wouldn't seek to do for sport, but would most definitely do for protection if necessary.  I guess all those shooting sessions with my dad might have been necessary after all, just in case I encounter some interesting visitors from the animal kingdom.  My first response though is usually to wait and see what the animal is going to do and I ask my Heavenly Father for protection.  When I do have to be out in my yard in the dark or even at dawn/dusk, I say a prayer before even leaving the house or car and most often anything I "scare up" scampers off to the wooded acreage behind my house.  I've discovered that if I just wait, usually they will leave and I can get to the house or out to the car in safety.  If I do encounter one of those animals that are a potential threat I will pray and continue to trust God to care for me and try with all my being to leave the care of His creatures to Him as well.